Liverpool can succeed where Arsenal failed with £51m Martin Zubimendi deal, his hero is a Reds legend

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It would be a strong statement of intent for Liverpool to make their first signing of the summer a star that Arsenal couldn’t lure to North London.

The Reds have bided their time when it comes to transfer business this summer but cogs are beginning to turn and talks are starting to progress.

Liverpool are yet to back Arne Slot with any new signings since he replaced Jurgen Klopp in the managerial hotseat.

But The Athletic claim that a new midfielder is at the top of their shopping list with Liverpool wanting a ‘specialist number six’ before the window comes to a close.

Liverpool have several midfield targets on their radar, one of which is Euro 2024 star Martin Zubimendi.

Liverpool can do what Arsenal couldn’t

HITC confirmed on Wednesday that Liverpool are growing in confidence about their chances of landing Zubimendi this summer.

Intermediaries have been in touch with Zubimendi’s team in the last week about prospective interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United.

The decision is now in the hands of Zubimendi, who has a £51million release clause in his Real Sociedad contract.

The Spain international, who break English hearts after replacing Rodri in the Euro 2024 final, has already rejected a move to the Premier League.

Arsenal had made Zubimendi their top midfield target this summer with Mikel Arteta believing he was a perfect fit for his side.

However, the 25-year-old snubbed a move to North London in favour of staying in Spain. As a result, the Gunners have now turned their attention towards his Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino.

Liverpool target idolises Xabi Alonso

The strides taken by Arsenal under Arteta have seen them pull alongside Liverpool as title contenders, but Liverpool can put the Londoners back in their place by landing their top transfer target.

The good news for Liverpool fans is that Zubimendi may be lured to Anfield so that he can follow in the footsteps of his hero Xabi Alonso.

READ MORE: Liverpool defender ‘reluctant’ to remain at Anfield if role stays the same, strong interest from abroad

The Spaniard revealed in an interview with The Guardian that he views Liverpool legend Alonso as his footballing idol.

“He’s an idol, a role model, so I’m delighted that he says nice things about me,” Zubimendi said. “I get asked about him so much he must get bored of hearing me talk about him. He’ll be tired of me going on about how good he is.”