Liverpool are edging towards making their first signing of the summer transfer window.
The Reds have been ultra quiet since the end of the season, allowing Arne Slot to get a good look at his group of players before making any decisions.
But with Slot keen to change the way Liverpool play through the midfield, the Anfield decision makers have decreed that a new holding player should be targeted.
On Wednesday, it became clear that top of Liverpool’s list is Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
However, a deal does not look especially straightforward. The Reds could face two problems in their pursuit of Zubimendi.
Martin Zubimendi attracted to Liverpool
The main issue with Zubimendi is that he is playing for his boyhood club. The 25-year-old has rejected offers to leave in the past, most notably from Arsenal.
As a result of Zubimendi turning down the Gunners not long ago, his club were under the impression that he was iron-clad to be in their squad next season.
Therefore, with Liverpool’s approach becoming public on Wednesday, Real Sociedad have reacted with shock. They are now in fear of losing one of their most prized players.
Spanish outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa go one step further. The San Sebastian based paper conclude that La Real now find themselves in a ‘nightmare’ situation with Zubimendi.
It’s claimed that the La Liga side are now almost ‘resigned’ to the fact that the midfielder could leave them.
READ MORE: How Liverpool could line up with Martin Zubimendi in the starting XI
Liverpool are said to be ‘very serious’ about their approach and would reportedly have no issues paying Zubimendi’s release clause up front, which it’s claimed they will have to do.
Most importantly, though, the player himself is supposedly ‘very attracted’ to the chance to play for Liverpool. Xabi Alonso is said to be Zubimendi’s idol, and there is said to be potential that he can be ‘seduced.’
Furthermore, the Spain international is reportedly a keen follower of the Premier League and has always intended to try his luck in England.
For all of these reasons, it is claimed that ‘everything seems to indicate’ that unless Zubimendi himself changes his mind, Liverpool will be successful in their pursuit of the player.
Martin Zubimendi to Liverpool set to move quickly
Although this is rather sad news for Real Sociedad, it cannot be ignored what a coup it is for Liverpool.
From the Basque side’s point of view, they are losing a player who – and Noticias de Gipuzkoa run these quotes – claimed only weeks ago that he saw his exit from Anoeta being some way away.
Now, it looks like it is likely to come much sooner than anyone anticipated.
Perhaps they should not be too shocked, though. The Spanish outlet also claim that meetings have been taking place with Zubimendi’s agent over the past couple of weeks. It is reportedly not a new development.
Nevertheless, if Zubimendi decides that Liverpool are the team he leaves his boyhood club for, then that is a big feather in their cap. This is getting closer now and could move very, very quickly.
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