The latest Liverpool transfer news as the battle with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City for Martin Zubimendi intensifies
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad reacts
Martin Zubimendi continues to attract interest from Liverpool, and now apparently Arsenal and Manchester City too (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
The latest word on Martin Zubimendi suggests the midfielder who rejected a Liverpool transfer in summer is now actually open to leaving Real Sociedad. This has placed the Reds, as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, 'on alert'.
Zubimendi was of such importance to Liverpool in the transfer market that once he told Reds sporting director Richard Hughes he did not want to leave his boyhood club for Anfield, no alternative was targeted. Instead Arne Slot stuck with the options he inherited, which nobody has complained about given the team's standing in the Premier League and Champions League.
But rumours have persisted despite the on-field successes of recent months, suggesting that the club are not prepared to give up the fight for the Euro 2024 winner. Title challengers Arsenal - linked during windows prior to the Reds' summer attempt - and City in the wake of their midfield injuries are said to be closely monitoring Zubimendi's situation.
READ MORE: Man City repeat 115 charges stance as new statement made amid Liverpool waitREAD MORE: Arne Slot gives Federico Chiesa fitness update and names problem Liverpool signing has got
It is The Times who explain in a wider context of Pep Guardiola needing to begin a rebuild of his squad that Zubimendi is now wanting to join a new club. This would be his second U-turn, having informed Liverpool he would not be leaving after initial acceptance.
Valued at £50m, the 25-year-old is listed as a target for City alongside Brazilians Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United and Ederson of Atalanta.
Ultimately, the champions' need for a holding midfielder comes from the on-field woes experienced following the season-ending injury to Rodri. Earlier this week it was claimed that because Zubimendi knew this would only be a temporary absence, he would reject advances from the Etihad Stadium with preference given to clubs that would offer him an important, starting role.