Sources: Martin Zubimendi's January transfer stance as Arsenal and Liverpool circle

• Exclusive from Graeme Bailey

Arsenal and Liverpool are both flying high this season and both are firmly in the running for both the Premier League and the Champions League.

With the January transfer window now on the horizon, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners and Arne Slot’s Reds will have the opportunity to strengthen their ranks if they so wish.

Arsenal and Liverpool are likely to have brand new targets on their wish lists, but there are also players who they were linked with in summer and may revisit.

Martin Zubimendi is one of these players, and TBR Football can reveal his transfer stance ahead of the January transfer window.

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Martin Zubimendi planning to stay put in January amid Arsenal and Liverpool interest

Zubimendi continues to be linked with a move to England in January, but sources have confirmed to TBR Football that he will not be leaving Real Sociedad in the next transfer window.

Zubimendi rejected the chance to join Arsenal and Liverpool last summer, as he decided he did not want to leave Spain.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have maintained an interest and have been keeping abreast of the situation whist Manchester City are also keeping tabs on Zubimendi.

However, despite the fact lines of communication have remained open – TBR Football understands Zubimendi is yet to deliver any sort of indication that he is ready to leave Spain.

TBR Football understands that Real Madrid remain Zubimendi’s preferred destination if and when he leaves.

He is a player admired by Madrid and is also believed to want to work with Xabi Alonso – who is strongly linked with taking over at the Santiago Bernabeu next summer.

Why Zubimendi would be great for Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City

Zubimendi has made a name for himself as one of the best midfielders in the world in recent years and it’s no surprise that so many big clubs are after him.

Arsenal could do with him as a potential long-term replacement for the likes of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, both of whom are in the latter stages of their careers.

It was reported not long ago that Arsenal are willing to trade Kieran Tierney in for Zubimendi. The Scotland international was on loan at the Liga club.

Zubimendi would also be a good shout for Liverpool as Ryan Gravenberch isn’t really a natural conductor, while it’s one of the Spain international’s main strengths.

As for Manchester City, they are missing Rodri, so Zubimendi would be a great replacement while his compatriot continues to recover from a long-term injury.

Zubimendi looks set to have the pick of which club he joins next, but this looks set to happen in summer at best – and Real Madrid appear to be the frontrunners.