Complications in Liverpool chase for CONFIRMED €60m transfer target

Liverpool’s pursuit of a confirmed €60m transfer target has become a lot more difficult with Arsenal and Real Madrid now linked.

Liverpool spent the summer in pursuit of Martin Zubimendi, to help fill the defensive midfield position. Arne Slot confirmed his side’s interest in the 25-year-old and Liverpool had an agreement with the player in place, and were willing to pay his €60m release clause.

However, the Spanish midfielder decided against joining the Reds in favour of staying with his boyhood club, Real Sociedad.

Read more: Liverpool's TALENTED transfer target will make Premier League move

There have been reports that Zubimendi is unhappy in San Sebastian and is regretting his decision not to come to Anfield, with his side currently struggling and sitting in 16th.

Liverpool are attempting to sign someone in this position in the January window, after deciding against going for another option in August, and Zubimendi has been linked again.

Real Madrid and Arsenal interested

However complications have arisen with Real Madrid potentially interested in the Sociedad player as well. Real are trying to sign Rodri Hernández from Manchester City, however this could be an extremely difficult transfer to complete.

If Rodri does not come in, the Spanish side are also considering attempting to lure Zubimendi to the Spanish capital, and they are not alone in their interest.

A report from TEAMtalk claims Arsenal are also interested in the midfielder as a replacement for Thomas Partey. Mikel Merino joined Arteta’s side this summer, and despite an early injury, Zubimendi may be excited by the prospect of joining up with the midfielder, who he had a great partnership with for Sociedad.

Zubimendi rumours RUBBISHED

Spanish Journalist Mikel Recalde has rubbished rumours that Zubimendi is unhappy currently and wants to leave the club.

Speaking to DAVEOCKOP, he said of the rumours: “It’s September, Martin Zubimendi decided to stay at Real and he’s going to play the whole season here.

“Just because the team started badly isn’t going to change anything, since it’s the club of his life, his loves, his feelings.

“Next summer we’ll see, but nothing has changed. Zubimendi isn’t going to regret staying at home. It’s nonsense and inventions.”

For a player who decided to stay at the club out of loyalty, it seems surprising he would change his mind due to a poor start so early in the season. 

However, Liverpool and sporting director Richard Hughes will be sure to keep tabs on the situation, in case there is more clarity about what Zubimendi wants to do when the winter transfer window opens.