Martin Zubimendi already made Manchester United transfer stance clear in blow for Liverpool

Manchester United's hunt for a midfield maestro has seen it cast its eyes towards Martin Zubimendi. However, the Real Sociedad star has already poured cold water on any potential move away from his current club this summer.

The 25-year-old Spanish international has been on Arsenal's radar after showcasing his talent in La Liga, yet recent murmurs have suggested that Man United is also keen to bolster its midfield options. Zubimendi has emerged as a possible addition alongside new signings Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.

For its part, Liverpool was tentatively mentioned in connection with Zubimendi back in February, per Football Transfers and Anfield Watch . And despite the lack of recent concrete links, it is thought that the holding midfield role is one position where sporting director Richard Hughes could potentially look to strengthen, depending on what Arne Slot makes of the likes of Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo in pre-season.

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Despite the Manchester Evening News reporting United's interest in Zubimendi as it looks to strengthen following a challenging season under Erik ten Hag, the player himself has made it clear he's not looking for an exit. He spoke to El Diario Vasco, via ED , during Euro 2024.

"Where am I going to play next season? I'm going to be at Real Sociedad," he said. "I have a contract with Real Sociedad and that's where I'm most comfortable."

Man United's list of potential recruits doesn't end there: Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte is reportedly at the top of its wishlist, while free agent Adrien Rabiot remains an option. Additionally, United might consider making Sofyan Amrabat's move permanent after a loan spell from Fiorentina.

Liverpool, for its part, is only likely to make a big move if it feels there is a transformative option in the position. It considered Yoro a generational talent, but balked at the price, and last summer opted for a stop-gap Endo transfer after failing to secure Moises Caicedo following a record bid.

As the transfer window drama unfolds, Zubimendi's commitment to Real Sociedad stands firm amidst speculation. That will leave Man United to weigh up its other midfield targets, reports the Mirror .

While United's interest could test Zubimendi's resolve, the club might shift its focus to other targets if the midfielder is indeed hesitant about a move.

However, further transfers are likely to hinge on departures, given the club's limited summer transfer budget. United has already splashed out over $110m (£85m/€101m) on Zirkzee and Yoro, although it has managed to offset some of this expenditure by offloading Mason Greenwood.

Several more players are anticipated to leave in the upcoming weeks following reports earlier this summer that the club would entertain serious bids for most of their squad. That includes big names like Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen.

McTominay has been on the radar of Fulham and Galatasaray recently. United has turned down offers that fall short of its valuation of the Scottish international.

Liverpool.com says: Despite the relative lack of Liverpool links, Zubimendi does look like one of the genuinely world-class operators in a reasonable age bracket currently plying his trade in defensive midfield. But it's a moot point if he isn't on the market.

Of course, Liverpool thought Yoro was a lost cause, only for Manchester United to get a deal done, so it might be worth asking the question. But if Zubimendi is set on staying at Real Sociedad, it should really be considered a blow for both English clubs.

This article was created with the help of AI tools.