Zubimendi transfer stance REVEALED as Liverpool and Arsenal RENEW battle | OneFootball

Since Arne Slot arrived at the club, Liverpool have been firing on almost all cylinders.

They now sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and atop the Champions League table, with multiple players having the best season of their careers so far.

Perhaps the only one element in which Slot’s Liverpool have been a touch lacklustre is in the transfer department (which, admittedly, isn’t really Slot’s fault).

The only full signing they have made so far is Federico Chiesa, whose injury-ridden stint at the club might be ending as quickly as it started, with rumours of a loan back to Italy on the cards.

The biggest transfer miss in the summer was an approach for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. Defensive midfielder was deemed an issue for the team and Zubimendi was the man judged to fill it, but he rejected a move despite Liverpool matching Sociedad’s €60m release clause.

Ryan Gravenberch has more than aptly filled that role since the start of the season, becoming arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world.

A recent report, however, explained that Liverpool were wanting to go back in for Zubimendi in the January transfer window despite Gravenberch’s emergence.

And now a new report by Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes has given Liverpool a major boost, stating that Zubimendi “has decided to leave” Sociedad.

They also say that the Spanish midfielder “regretted not leaving in August and is now counting the weeks until he makes the jump to the Premier League”.

As it coincides with the report of Liverpool’s interest reigniting, everything looks set for Liverpool to once again try and get the man who was identified as being perfect for Arne Slot’ system.

Is Zubimendi Liverpool-bound?

Real Sociedad can’t do anything if Liverpool match their €60m release clause for Zubimendi - which they should be able to, having already done it once before - and if he now has his heart set on a move everything should be a foregone conclusion.

The report does state that Liverpool may face competition from potential title rivals Arsenal, however, who are also keen on the midfielder. The team have already worked with Sociedad recently, signing Mikel Merino in the summer, and they are keen to partner him back up with his Spanish teammate.

Sociedad currently sit 10th in La Liga and, whilst it is still early in the season, that would be their worst placed finish since the 2018-19 season. Zubimendi is clearly interested in keeping his career at a high level, although having a change of heart once his team aren’t performing great and Liverpool are the best team in the world doesn’t speak too highly of his character.

Regardless, he would be a welcome addition in Liverpool’s stacked midfield. Injuries can derail any positive season and future-proofing that if something sporting director Richard Hughes clearly wants to ensure.