"Keep monitoring the player" - Fabrizio Romano claims Liverpool set to face competition from Arsenal for transfer target
Liverpool are set to battle Arsenal for the services of Martin Zubimendi, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish midfielder is one of the finest in his position in Europe at the moment.
The Reds were reportedly eager to sign Zubimendi earlier this summer but failed to convince him to move. The Merseyside club could return for the 25-year-old at the end of this season.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano added that Zubimendi also has admirers at Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen.
“What I want to tell you today is that Liverpool are still monitoring Martin Zubimendi on a constant basis,” said Romano.
He continued:
“It’s also true that there are two managers who are big fans of Zubimendi, apart from we know Liverpool and Arne Slot, what they already did last summer and they remain interested and keep monitoring the player. Mikel Arteta also appreciates Zubimendi and also Xabi Alonso.”
Romano added that the Spaniard's situation could change in 2025, owing to a vital personnel change at the Reale Arena.
“So, remember the appreciation of Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso for Martin Zubimendi, who could be an interesting name to watch in 2025 because Liverpool are still monitoring him and also these two managers keep watching the quality, the excellent work of Zubimendi,” said Romano.
He concluded:
“Now Real Sociedad are losing a key piece in the director Roberto Olabe, so in 2025, summer probably, the situation around Zubimendi could change.”
Arsenal signed Martin Zubimendi's former teammate Mikel Merino this summer from Real Sociedad.
How have Arsenal and Liverpool performed in the Premier League this season?
Arsenal were expected to give Manchester City a tough challenge in the Premier League title race this season after finishing second last campaign. However, the Gunners have stuttered and stumbled of late.
Mikel Arteta's team are now fourth in the league table after 11 games, already nine points behind leaders Liverpool. The Reds, meanwhile, have enjoyed a stunning rise under new manager Arne Slot this season.
The Dutchman was appointed as Jurgen Klopp's replacement at Anfield and has lived up to the task so far. His team are five points clear at the top of the league.
The Merseyside club have won nine and lost just one of their 11 games in the league. They have scored 21 goals and conceded six.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have five wins and four draws in the league. They have scored 18 goals and conceded 12 so far.