£51m player has already turned Arsenal down and is now about to do the same to Liverpool

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Liverpool are working to secure their first signing of the summer as the Premier League season creeps into view.

The Reds have stayed unusually silent in the market up until this point. With just over a week before the campaign kicks off, they are the only top-flight club without a new addition.

That could soon change, though. Liverpool have identified a top target in defensive midfield and look set to pull the trigger over the coming days.

There is so far no confirmation of who the Reds are indeed trying to bring to Anfield, but we think Andre Trindade could be Liverpool’s mystery target.

With a number of intriguing options out there for Liverpool to assess, though, it now looks like we can potentially rule one name out of the running.

Martin Zubimendi responds to Liverpool links

While Andre would be a good signing for Liverpool, he may not be quite the elite midfielder many are clamouring for.

If it isn’t the Brazilian – and there’s every chance of that – then many supporters would perhaps like to see Spain Euro 2024 winner Martin Zubimendi join the club.

Zubimendi could be perfect for Arne Slot in that he’s a deeper-lying midfield player who is incredibly comfortable on the ball.

At 25 and with a release clause of £51m, Zubimendi would tick much more than just one box for Liverpool, too.

But the one that is unfortunately left empty for the Basque is the crucial ‘availability’ box.

READ MORE: Kieran Tierney explains why Martin Zubimendi is a ‘world class’ midfielder

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have asked the question, but Zubimendi simply does not want to leave Real Sociedad.

“Zubimendi is a player almost every major club in Europe is aware of,” Bailey exclusively tells Rousing The Kop. “I understand that checks were made by intermediaries with connections to both Liverpool and Manchester United.

“However, having already rejected the chance to join Arsenal, it was made clear he was not looking to leave Real Sociedad this summer,” adds the reporter.

“It clearly was not a shock to Liverpool in any way. There had been little suggestion that he was available. But if he can be persuaded, they will try for sure.”

Who else could Liverpool turn to?

We must admit that Zubimendi would be our choice for Liverpool’s new midfielder. He does feel like a player who could elevate the Reds.

Nevertheless, the Spaniard is not the only one who could do that. There are players out there who are get-able and potential difference-makers.

Alan Varela has been linked with Liverpool a lot this summer, although most of it in the early part of the campaign. The Porto star is someone who looks to have a really high ceiling.

Another player on the radar is Ederson of Atalanta. Liverpool contacted Ederson’s agents in June and that could certainly be one to keep an eye on.

Beyond those names, there will be a whole plethora that Reds scouts have been pouring over and trying to make their choice. Zubimendi would have been a good one, but it looks like it isn’t going to happen.