Arsenal wants to complete a significant deal before the Premier League starts. The Gunners have approached the transfer market more relaxed back than in past summers. The mid-tour signing of Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya’s permanent relocation mirror this approach. But urgency is seeping in only one week before confronting Wolves.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta still has a few players on his wish list. According to a fresh Noticias de Gipuzkoa story, Arsenal is worried by Liverpool’s interest in Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. Although Mikel Merino already has a deal with the Gunners, they worry Liverpool may move quicker.
Arsenal Are Going All Guns Blazing To Sign This Player Before The Season Starts
Although Merino’s release clause is €65 million, Arsenal wants to negotiate a cheaper price, hoping for around half of that figure. Should Liverpool activate Zubimendi’s €55 million release clause, the matter becomes more difficult. Reluctant to lose two important players in one deal, Real Sociedad would most certainly turn down Arsenal’s offer.
For Arsenal, losing Merino at this point would be a major setback. The Gunners want to improve their midfield choices before the season starts. Spanish writer Kike Marin claims Merino missed the preseason trip to Germany in expectation of a trade. This lack feeds rumors of a near-deal.
Measuring Arsenal’s approach to this transfer window, it may not be in line with the pace required in the competitive market of today. Time is running short and the Gunners’ reluctance can cost them a big deal. Liverpool lurks. Arsenal has to move quickly or else they risk seeing their plans fall apart.
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Martin Zubimendi, Real Sociedad’s midfielder, may be on route to Liverpool. Should the Spaniard approve, the Merseyside team seems eager to complete the transaction. Although some Gooners may object to this news, there is no actual need for worry.
Arsenal did express interest in Zubimendi. Mikel Arteta was thinking of bringing him to the Emirates back in 2023’s winter. This followed an abortive effort at Moisés Caicedo signing. Zubimendi turned down the offer, however, which resulted Arsenal signing Jorginho instead. Arsenal needs another defensive midfielder with Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Declan Rice in the team. Their emphasis now is on the left-eight function. Fascinatingly, they are looking at Mikel Merino, Zubimendi’s friend, for that role.
Regarding Liverpool’s interests in Zubimendi, Arsenal obviously doesn’t seem to be worried. Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal never acted for Zubimendi this summer. The club’s priorities lay elsewhere; they have no intention of returning their attention to the Spanish midfielder. Romano also discounted any speculations connecting Zubimendi to Manchester United.
Definitely, Zubimendi is a gifted player. Like Manuel Locatelli and Dusan Vlahovic, he decided against joining Arsenal when the chance presented itself. The Gunners do not lose anything by his possible Liverpool departure. Simply said, two teams with distinct agendas have different objectives.
“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,” said Romano in his daily briefing for CaughtOffside.
