Liverpool have made their stance on Martin Zubimendi very clear as one of their Premier League rivals edge towards a deal.
The Reds were strongly linked with a move for the Spanish midfielder in the summer having had a bid accepted by Real Sociedad. But he performed a u-turn and rejected a move to Anfield, instead deciding to stay with his current side.
But that could soon change. Reports suggest Premier League rivals Arsenal are closing in on a £51m deal for Zubimendi and want to sign him as soon as possible.
Sociedad are keen to put the buffers on a move, with a switch more likely to be made official this coming summer. Despite their previous interest, Liverpool have turned down the opportunity to stage a fresh move.
Arne Slot is already blessed for options in midfield, particularly after the resurgence of Ryan Gravenberch this season, so Zubimendi is no longer needed. Speaking earlier this season, the Dutchman made that clear, while suggesting that a renewed move for Zubimendi was not on the agenda.
He said: “If you’ve noticed it is not that much of one holding midfielder, it is a bit more two. And one of those two can be a bit more attacking and I think the player you mentioned [Zubimendi] could have fitted in one of those two roles and Ryan [Gravenberch] can fit in both roles like Curtis [Jones] can, [Alexis] Mac Allister can and Wataru [Endo] can.
“There is no point talking about Zubimendi anymore because he stayed with Real Sociedad and we’ve moved on and we are really happy with Ryan.”
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Meanwhile, Zubimendi opened up on why he decided to turn down a switch to Anfield. Speaking to El Diario Vasco last month, he said: “I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise. It wasn’t something I had planned.
“I reacted when the situation arose. It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay. I don’t believe in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush. I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project.
“I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take. It wasn’t that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me – and that was staying.”
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