Ornstein gives Arsenal and Liverpool BOMBSHELL Zubimendi update

Tom Weber

Updated: 6 Dec 2024 15:15 GMT
3 min read

Martin Zubimendi, Spain, Real Sociedad, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is 'increasingly expected' to be on the move next summer, according to David Ornstein.

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The Euro 2024 winner remains one of Europe's most in-demand midfield commodities. Zubimendi has established himself as one of the classiest and most reliable defensive midfielders on the continent in recent years and big-name interest has been ubiquitous.

Most notably, Arsenal and Liverpool have been interested in Zubimendi and attempted, in vain, to secure his signature. Last summer, the Reds openly pursued the Basque star but were ultimately left disappointed.

At the time, there was an 'expectation' that Liverpool would succeed in convincing the 25-year-old to finally leave his boyhood club, but the unpredictable midfielder decided against the move and stayed put for another season.

Zubimendi likely to leave

Since then, there have been suggestions that there is an element of regret about his decision because Real Sociedad have endured a mixed bag of a season and are currently only sitting ninth in the LaLiga standings.

Zubimendi has repeatedly played down these suggestions but, according to The Athletic's transfer expert David Ornstein, it is becoming increasingly likely that the player will, at last, be on the move next year.

“This is a player who came close to joining Liverpool last summer, not for the first time he decided to stay with Real Sociedad. Arsenal have tried previously, Real Madrid, I think, have been linked and others," Ornstein said on The Athletic FC Podcast.

“Some people think that his loyalty to La Real will continue to keep him forever. But increasingly, in the chats I’ve had, there is an expectation now that in the summer, he is more ready in his head to move than before. They've had more time to plan.”

This news will have put the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool on red alert, with both clubs previously having no qualms about triggering his €60 million release clause.