Real Sociedad ‘aware’ of Liverpool’s interest in Martin Zubimendi

Real Sociedad are aware of Liverpool’s interest in Martin Zubimendi as the Reds consider a move for the midfielder, according to The Athletic.

While Liverpool have not yet submitted a bid, Real Sociedad are currently unwilling to sell the 25-year-old.

However, the club sources indicate that they would honour Zubimendi’s request to leave if he decides to make one.

As of now, Zubimendi has not communicated his decision.

Liverpool are exploring a deal to acquire Zubimendi as part of their efforts to strengthen Arne Slot’s squad with a new No. 6.

The move is complicated by Zubimendi’s €60 million (£51.7 million) release clause, which must be paid in full if the La Liga club does not agree to negotiate a lower fee.

Liverpool would also need to persuade Zubimendi to leave, a task that other Premier League suitors and clubs from elsewhere have struggled with.

Previously, Zubimendi has attracted interest from Arsenal and Barcelona, with Barcelona showing significant interest as far back as last summer.

Zubimendi was part of Spain’s European Championship-winning squad earlier this summer.

He served primarily as an understudy to Rodri in the No. 6 role, making appearances in Spain’s final group game against Albania and stepping in for Rodri at half-time in the final against England due to injury.

During pre-season, Slot has utilized Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch in that role, with the latter receiving commendation from the head coach.

“I think Ryan (Gravenberch) did really well in that position (during the 3-0 win over Manchester United in South Carolina) and we have other options as well,” Slot said on Monday.

The Dutchman added: “The bar is really high for new signings because we have so many good players.

“It is not so easy to first find a player to meet those standards and then is he available?

“Then we have to find an agreement with them, so it is not always easy to find a player who can help us.

“Richard (Hughes, sporting director) is working hard on it and let’s see what comes from this.

“If he’s not here with us then we speak on the phone many times.”

Read more: Tottenham confident of signing Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth this summer

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