Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, and Real Madrid Eye Midfield Maestro Martin Zubimendi

Key Points:

• Martin Zubimendi, one of the world’s top midfielders, is now open to leaving Real Sociedad.
• Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid are frontrunners for his signature.
• Liverpool’s interest appears to have cooled following Ryan Gravenberch’s development.

Zubimendi Signals Readiness to Depart Real Sociedad

Martin Zubimendi, the highly sought-after Real Sociedad midfielder, is reportedly ready to leave his boyhood club. After rejecting a €60m (£50m) move to Liverpool last summer to focus on his development, the 25-year-old now seems keen on exploring new challenges.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague confirmed the player’s intentions, stating that Zubimendi is “ready to go” and is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Arsenal, City, and Real Madrid Lead the Race

Arsenal and Manchester City remain strongly linked to Zubimendi. For Arsenal, he represents an ideal long-term replacement for Thomas Partey, whose contract expires in the summer. At City, Zubimendi is viewed as a natural successor to Rodri, even having substituted his compatriot in the Euro 2024 final.

Real Madrid have also entered the fray, seeing Zubimendi as a potential heir to Toni Kroos, who is nearing the twilight of his illustrious career.

Liverpool Cools Interest Amid Squad Developments

Liverpool, once on the brink of signing Zubimendi, may no longer be in the running. Manager Arne Slot has successfully transitioned Ryan Gravenberch into a holding midfield role, reducing the urgency to pursue additional reinforcements in that position.

Real Sociedad Stands Firm

Despite Zubimendi’s openness to a transfer, Real Sociedad are resolute about keeping their star midfielder through the January window. Sporting director Roberto Olabe recently assured fans there would be “no scares” this winter regarding Zubimendi’s future.

However, the summer window could tell a different story, with several elite clubs expected to reignite their pursuit of the Spanish international.