Liverpool have moved on from Martin Zubimend and €40m player is the reason why

For a long time, Liverpool pursued Martin Zubimendi as their ideal holding midfield target, but their pursuit is over as they have discovered a better alternative.

The Spaniard was hotly sought after during the summer transfer window and it seemed like he would make the switch from Real Sociedad to Anfield.

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However, in the end, Zubimendi opted to stay in Spain and Liverpool were forced to lick their wounds.

At the time, that felt like a transfer tragedy. However, in retrospect, things have worked out well for the Reds. And there's a player who has proven to be a much better alternative option.

Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal latest and why Liverpool prefer Ryan Gravenberch

It seems like the Reds have moved on from Zubimendi. Arsenal are currently leading the race to sign him according to the latest reports.

Many fans will be disappointed by those developments. However, it's clear that the club already has a better alternative to Zubimendi in Ryan Gravenberch.

Liverpool's stance was made clear by The Athletic's reporter, James Pearce, last year, who revealed how the Reds no longer consider the holding midfield position a priority.

"Liverpool are not upset about the transfer falling through last summer and still admires Zubimendi as a player. However, strengthening this position is not a priority, as was previously thought, considering Gravenberch's impact on Slot's team," Pearce said on The Athletic's Walk On podcast last year.

Gravenberch was signed for €40m from Bayern Munich [Sky Sports] and it has taken him a little bit of time to adjust.

He's exploded since Arne Slot has taken charge of the club and has become one of the most pivotal players in the Reds' new system.

The Dutch midfielder has definitely shown he can be the first choice option for the holding midfield role.

However, that doesn't mean Liverpool should not look to bolster the area. After all, Gravenberch can't play all the games himself.

He needs much needed cover and Richard Hughes will need to address that even if the Reds do not view that as a priority at the moment.

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