Liverpool convince long-time Arsenal target to join – Ornstein

Real Sociedad expect Martin Zubimendi to be open to joining Liverpool, according to David Ornstein.

The Reds are slowly but surely closing in on a major transfer coup. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool are expected to manage to agree personal terms with Real Sociedad star Zubimendi.

This is a hurdle Arsenal, Barcelona and other suitors did not manage to pass, with the midfielder previously showing himself unwilling to leave his boyhood club despite significant interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

READ MORE: Arsenal FINALLY unlock transfer – but it could already be too late

Now, however, it seems that Liverpool have managed to convince the 25-year-old Spain star to depart, something that not even fellow Basque and former Erreala player Mikel Arteta managed to achieve.

However, a deal is far from done at this point.

Liverpool want Zubimendi

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed Liverpool’s interest in Zubimendi all the way back in February. The Reds signed four midfielders last summer, but only veteran Wataru Endo was a player with experience as a No.6.

The question of what to do with that position lingered all season and the topic was dragged into pre-season, with Arne Slot testing both Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai in that position.

READ MORE: Arsenal include outcast in SHOCK swap deal

Slot does not want a destroyer but a controller in that position and, despite praising Gravenberch, realised that a player more familiar with that role was required.

Early on Wednesday, The Athletic revealed Liverpool’s attempts at signing Zubimendi, while Fabrizio Romano later reported that the Reds were prepared to focus all their energy on securing the Spaniard’s signature.

Now, it seems they have managed to convince Zubimendi, but his €60 million release clause is still a potential hurdle. If triggered, it needs to be paid in full in one instalment. This could force Liverpool into formal negotiations with Real Sociedad and may yet prove a problem.