Liverpool’s transfer window prematurely burst into life on Wednesday afternoon.
The Reds have taken a patient approach to the summer after hiring Arne Slot in place of Jurgen Klopp.
However, there are some things that need addressing in the Liverpool squad and they have now felt that the time is right to finally do that.
One of the biggest gripes for supporters at Anfield last season was the lack of a suitable, elite option in defensive midfield. Happily, Liverpool are looking to sort this by signing Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The deal to sign Zubimendi looked difficult, but Liverpool are now confident to get things done. Some danger does continue lurk for the Reds, though.
Latest on Arsenal and Martin Zubimendi
One of the reasons it had looked tricky for Liverpool to sign Zubimendi was that he had seemingly been resolute on not leaving Real Sociedad this summer.
Arsenal are one of the sides who have reportedly been tracking the 25-year-old for some time. Since Wednesday’s news broke, there has been some worry that Arsenal could come back for Zubimendi.
Ironically, though, the Gunners are currently in talks with Sociedad about signing another of their Euro 2024 winners – Mikel Merino.
Meanwhile, Sociedad have been shocked by Liverpool’s approach for Zubimendi and it remains to be seen if that could derail Arsenal’s attempts at bringing Merino to the Emirates.
READ MORE: What Liverpool could do in the transfer market if Martin Zubimendi turns them down
If it does, however, it seems unlikely that they would hit back at Liverpool and come in for Zubimendi on the back of that.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have actually made no approach to try and sign the Liverpool target since the end of the season.
“Contacts are ongoing with both player and club,” Romano says of Liverpool’s position in his Daily Briefing. “Liverpool want Zubimendi and they are confident, optimistic to make it happen while there are still steps to follow on this story to get it done.
“It’s important also to clarify that Arsenal were never negotiating for Zubimendi this summer, while I’ve never heard anything concrete about Man United so far,” he adds.
Liverpool have a free run at Martin Zubimendi
If Zubimendi eventually does sign for Liverpool, it will be fascinating to hear exactly why he felt the Reds were the right team for him.
Although Romano says there were no approaches this summer, it has been reliably reported elsewhere, such as in The Athletic, that Barcelona and Arsenal have tried to get him in the past. Bayern have been presented as a suitor in the past, too.
There is obviously still a chance that any of those teams could sense the chance to snatch Zubimendi and come back in.
But Barca are surely wiped out after spending big on Dani Olmo, Bayern have just brought in Joao Palhinha and Arsenal want Merino. Liverpool have a clear run.
That does not mean that Zubimendi is definitely joining the Reds. We will likely find that out on Thursday or Friday. But it does mean that their odds just got infinitely better.
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