Arne Slot was on the lookout for a number six and identified the Spanish international as his top target to add another option to his side.
However, after showing a willingness to move to Anfield, Zubimendi rejected Liverpool in favour of remaining at Real Sociedad.
Less than six months after snubbing the Reds, it appeared as if the Euro 2024 winner had a change of heart.
Reports from England claimed Arsenal have a deal in place to sign Zubimendi, although the player will only join the club in the summer transfer window.
And now, Fabrizio Romano has revealed what’s really going on with the Real Sociedad man as speculation surrounding his future continue to dominate the back pages.
Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi hasn’t yet agreed Arsenal move
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad runs with the ball during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and Villarreal CF at Reale Arena on January 13, ...
Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images
Liverpool have coped quite well after Zubimendi’s transfer snub in the summer, with Slot opting to use Ryan Gravenberch as his number six.
The Dutchman has made that position his own at Anfield and is playing the best football of his career, starting every Premier League and UEFA Champions League so far this season.
However, Liverpool have continued to keep tabs on Zubimendi as they still need another option in the centre of the park, so news about him reportedly agreeing a move to Arsenal came as a blow to them.
However, Spanish sources confirmed yesterday that Zubimendi’s future will only be decided in the summer, with several teams still courting his signature.
And now, Romano has appeared to confirm those claims, suggesting that Arsenal don’t yet have a deal in place to sign the Spanish international.
“For next summer, work in progress also for Martin Zubimendi,” said Romano on his YouTube channel.
“As of today, I’m still not in a position to say here we go or confirm that the deal is done, because with Zubimendi, last summer, Liverpool were advancing and the player changed his mind to continue with Real Sociedad.
“With Zubimendi, you have to be really careful because the player loves his city and his country, his club and his fans.
“Arsenal are working on it and are confident. The conversation involves Mikel Arteta, who is from the same city as Zubimendi, so they have a great connection. But they are still working on the details of the deal.”
Liverpool should start looking at other options
Zubimendi is clearly a fantastic player and was high up on Liverpool’s transfer shortlist in the summer.
In fact, the Reds put all eggs in his basket and didn’t manage to sign him, which shouldn’t be the case once again in the upcoming transfer windows.
The Spanish international has a special connection with his boyhood club and there are so many other suitors for his signature, so Liverpool should have an alternative or two in mind to shore up their ranks in midfield.
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