- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands Real Sociedad and Liverpool have held talks over a deal for Martin Zubimendi after the player confirmed he was ready to move to England.
Earlier in the summer transfer window, HITC had reported that Arsenal had earmarked Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as their top midfield target with Mikel Arteta a big fan of the Spaniard.
However, we then reported that Arsenal were prepared to walk away from a deal for Zubimendi as there was a suspicion that a midfielder’s preference was to remain in Spain.
Despite this, HITC understands that talks are progressing which would see Zubimendi become Arne Slot’s first signing of the summer.
Richard Hughes plays key role in Martin Zubimendi deal
HITC revealed that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has progressed with a deal after being aware by intermediaries that a deal for Zubimendi was possible.
Hughes has progressed with talks with Zubimendi’s agent Inaki Ibanez, who he knows well from his Bournemouth days, as they are the same representatives of Andoni Iraola, who he persuaded to take charge at the Vitality Stadium.
Zubimendi was expected to remain at Real Sociedad this summer and Liverpool’s move for him has shocked them.
But HITC can confirm that in the last 24 hours, Sociedad have told Zubimendi that they will allow him to leave if he wants to go and they are willing to talk to Liverpool.
Zubimendi has a £51 million release clause in his contract but Liverpool are understood to rather pay that deal in installments whereas the release clause would require the Reds to play in full.
Talks are set to continue between the clubs but the most important conversations will be had with the player.
How Arne Slot has reacted to the potential deal
HITC confirmed that over the last week, intermediaries spoke with Liverpool about Zubimendi and it was that encouragement that has led to the deal developing as it has.
Once it became known to Hughes, the club’s sporting director, that a deal was a possibility, he latched onto that opportunity and things have accelerated at his behest.
Liverpool’s new manager Slot is understood to have been informed of developments in recent days and the belief that they could land Zubimendi.
Sources have told HITC that Slot is delighted by these developments and is excited about the prospect of the Spaniard arriving at Anfield this summer.
Zubimendi featured during Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign and it now seems a move to Liverpool is a possibility.
The 25-year-old had been linked with Barcelona and Xavi was certainly a big fan of Zubimendi and he could be a key addition for the Reds.
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