Liverpool are working hard to complete the first signing of the Arne Slot era as the new season rapidly approaches.
Martin Zubimendi is being targeted by Liverpool, having shone at both Real Sociedad and Spain in recent times.
Slot is among five new Premier League managers, with the Reds boss keen to outshine his equals in their debut English top-flight campaigns.
Liverpool are looking good under Slot, having just won all three of their matches on their pre-season tour of the USA.
But supporters will be well aware that the Premier League and Champions League present entirely different challenges.
Fabrizio Romano says what Liverpool chiefs are doing about Martin Zubimendi
And Slot will also be aware of the situation, meaning he is likely to bring new faces to the club before the season starts.
Real Sociedad ace Zubimendi could be the first to arrive, with Fabrizio Romano detailing exactly what is being done by the powers that be at Anfield in order to secure the player.
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“Liverpool want to go very big on this one,” Romano said on his YouTube channel. “Liverpool feel that they can reach an agreement with Real Sociedad or trigger the clause.
“Liverpool are very optimistic on the club side, now working on the player side. Many clubs tried to convince Zubimendi in the two/three years. Barcelona, Bayern [Munich], Arsenal, many clubs spoke to the player.
“He wasn’t keen on the move. But now Liverpool are going very big, using the ability of their directors to try to persuade the player, present the contract proposal, find a way.
“So Liverpool are actively working on a deal for Martin Zubimendi, working on player side, working on club side. So the top target as new midfielder is Zubimendi.”
How will Martin Zubimendi improve Liverpool?
Wataru Endo was brought in by Jurgen Klopp to fill the number six role last season, but that was perhaps a temporary solution.
He performed admirably, but many fans will be thinking that Zubimendi represents a necessary improvement.
READ MORE: All of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool signings ranked
Champions League football is now returning to Anfield, while the Reds fell short of Arsenal and Manchester City last season.
Zubimendi has experience in Europe’s elite club competition from his time at Real Sociedad, while he also just helpd Spain win Euro 2024.
The 25-year-old is in double figures for international caps, with that number potentially rising sharply if he moves to Merseyside.
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