Real Madrid in part behind reason Arsenal didn’t go for Martin Zubimendi as Liverpool near deal – report

Liverpool are closing in on a deal with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, according to the latest reports. The 25-year-old has a €60m release clause, but his willingness to move has been a major surprise.

Over recent summers, Barcelona and Arsenal had been extensively linked with Zubimendi, and the latter still this transfer market too. They instead appear to be going  for his teammate Mikel Merino, but part of the reason is due the fact they did not feel they would be able to persuade him.

That is according to GMS, who say that Zubimendi’s openness to a move came as a surprise to many within the game, as Liverpool pursued Genoa’s Morten Frendrup, Fluminense’s Andre or Borussia Moenchengladbach’s Manu Kone. On the other hand, Arsenal were under the impression Zubimendi would again remain in Donostia-San Sebastian, before potentially joining Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid in 2025.

Zubimendi and Alonso would have crossed paths while the latter was at Real Sociedad B, and remains an icon for Gipuzkoa in general. The Leverkusen manager has also been cited by Zubimendi as an idol and role model, playing in the same position, and it looks as if the 25-year-old will entertain the possibility of following in Alonso’s footsteps.

It is worth noting that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has a deal until 2026 at the Santiago Bernabeu, and that would leave at least two years before Zubimendi is likely to be joining Alonso in Madrid, if he does end up replacing the Italian. If Liverpool can get the green light from Zubimendi, and Merino does leave, it would be a major blow for La Real.

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