Liverpool transfers: Real Sociedad make record-breaking offer to Martin Zubimendi

Real Sociedad are reported to be making a series of last-ditch attempts in an effort to keep Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi in northern Spain, as the Basque club look set to lose a number of star players this summer.

We’ve already heard plenty about Sociedad’s reported ‘charm offensive’ as they try to appeal with Zubimendi to stay with his boyhood club, notably going as far as to refer to the local geography and cuisine on offer in San Sebastian, and it would be fair to say this has been perhaps unfairly treated with some amusement outside of Spain.

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It would appear that the club’s case to make Zubimendi stay is not merely limited to the cultural. According to a report in local outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa, the club are prepared to make Zubimendi the highest paid player in the squad, alongside the potentially Arsenal-bound Mikel Merino, whom they are also trying to retain.

Apparently however, this is not a question of money according to the report, as despite all that Sociedad has to offer, both midfielders are being offered more by ‘giants’ Liverpool and Arsenal.

'Very little hope' in Sociedad

The report goes on to state that Liverpool consider Zubimendi to have given them his word over a prospective move, but that talks with Sociedad over the transfer fee are not yet finalised. The release clause of €60 million is non-negotiable, however how this will be structured and potential sell-on percentages need to still be discussed, it is alleged.

Finally, this report also suggests that Sociedad have ‘very little hope’ that Zubimendi will cease talks with Liverpool, in a stark contrast with his supposed talks over personal details with Arsenal earlier this year which broke down after the player ceased all communication.