EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal frustration over Zubimendi agreement as Liverpool pounce

Steve Kay

Updated: 10 Aug 2024 09:07 CDT
4 min read

Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal had a deal agreed with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi's camp before Liverpool started talks, FootballTransfers has been told.

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We understand that the London club had engaged in discussions with Zubimendi's representatives as early as March, reaching a verbal agreement.

During these discussions, Arsenal outlined a contract that Zubimendi agreed to, in terms of salary and contract length, and there was confidence that he would join.

At the time, the Gunners were confident that they had laid the groundwork for a successful transfer to be completed but Zubimendi's ceased all communication.

Sources inform us that the club did not receive any follow-up from the player's agent, leaving them a frustrated Arsenal in the dark.

Current ETV

Martín Zubimendi

M (C)

Real Sociedad

Martín Zubimendi

M (C)

Real Sociedad

ETV Range

€28.9M - €48.2M

© IMAGO - Martin Zubimendi was also eyed by Barcelona

There has been no contact between the two parties since late March, while Arsenal were left frustrated.

The Spain international is now in talks with Liverpool over a proposed move, with Arne Slot wanting to bring in a No.6.

Nketiah nearing Arsenal exit

It comes after our story that Eddie Nketiah is edging closer to a move to Marseille, with sources revealing that he has agreed to take a significant wage cut from his current £100k per week at Arsenal.

The deal is expected to start with a loan, followed by a mandatory purchase obligation. Arsenal are keen to finalise the transfer as quickly as possible so they can bring in a replacement within the next couple of weeks, we are told.

Despite rejecting three bids from Marseille as they haven't yet met Arsenal's £30 million valuation, the transfer is now progressing.

Nketiah, who joined Arsenal’s academy from Chelsea in 2015, started the 2023-2024 season strongly, scoring in the opening weekend victory against Nottingham Forest. However, he has struggled to secure a regular spot in the team since then.

Nketiah's departure is reminiscent of Emile Smith Rowe's move to Fulham—both homegrown talents leaving in search of more consistent playing time.

Current ETV

Eddie Nketiah

F (CL), AM (L)

Arsenal

Eddie Nketiah

F (CL), AM (L)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€10.8M - €18M

While losing a homegrown player is tough for the club and its fans, we are told that Nketiah is excited about the move to France, which he sees as an opportunity to revive his career.

From Arsenal's perspective, the sale of two homegrown players, Nketiah and Smith Rowe, will generate pure profit, which positively impacts their PSR and FFP situations. The club is now focused on finding a replacement for Nketiah, likely targeting a player under £55 million.