Liverpool are ready to rival Arsenal for the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window, according to Anfield Watch.
The online news portal claims that the Reds are prepared to pay his €60m (£51m) release clause in bid to bring Zubimendi to Anfield despite the Gunners being long-term admirers of the 25-year-old.
Zubimendi, known for his technical prowess and vision on the pitch, has caught the eye of several top clubs with his impressive performances in La Liga.
He is considered one of the most promising young talents in Spain, thanks to his exceptional performances for Sociedad.
Last season, Zubimendi played a pivotal role in Sociedad’s successful campaign, helping them secure Champions League qualification.
As they gear up to face PSG in the last 16 of the competition next week Wednesday, the Spain international remains a crucial part of the team under the management of Imanol Alguacil.
Throughout the current campaign, he has been consistently present for Alguacil’s side, making 33 appearances and contributing to four goals. As a result, Sociedad currently hold the 6th position in the league table.
His impressive ball retention and exceptional passing ability have drawn comparisons to football luminaries such as Sergio Busquets and his former coach at Real Sociedad, Xabi Alonso who has been linked with the Liverpool job to replace Jurgen Klopp.
During his coaching tenure at Real Sociedad B, Alonso played a pivotal role in nurturing Zubimendi’s talent, guiding him from the developmental stage to the first team. The young midfielder made his debut under Alonso in 2020.
Asked about being likened to Alonso, Zubimendi told the Guardian in 2022: “He’s an idol to me, a role model, so I’m delighted that he says nice things about me.
“The thing is, I think it’s the other way round. I get asked about him so much he must get bored of hearing me talk about him. He’ll be tired of me going on about how good he is.”
He has since racked up 176 appearances, scored eight goals, and provided seven assists across all competitions for Sociedad.
Liverpool brought in four midfielders last summer following the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch as Jurgen Klopp looked to rebuild his engine room.
Thiago Alcantara, who is set for another spell on the sidelines after sustaining a muscle injury during his comeback game against Arsenal last weekend is in the final year of his remaining contract with the Reds.
It is unknown if Liverpool will extend the 32-year-old’s contract in the summer, therefore the club have identified Zubimendi as a potential target but will face stiff competition from Arsenal.
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