Liverpool and Arsenal are both interested in Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi

Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal are both arch-rivals on the field and are currently competing for the title. Hence it does not come as a surprise that they are set to go up against each other off it as well.

The summer transfer window is going to be pivotal for both clubs irrespective of how the current campaign pans out. Liverpool will aim to build upon the good foundations that Jurgen Klopp has laid while the Gunners will aim to overtake the Reds in the English footballing pyramid. Given their statures, it is inevitable that they go up against each other for top-class players.

One such name is that of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi. The Spaniard is one of the best players in La Liga and continues to play a key role in the Basque side’s dreams of finishing in the top six, securing European football for the 2024/25 season.

According to Football Transfers via Fichajes, the Gunners and Liverpool are keeping tabs on the 25-year-old. Valued at around €60m, it will represent a significant investment for either club. However, from what we have seen of the player, it could be well worth the effort.

Xabi Alonso is one of the favourites to replace Klopp in the Liverpool dugout and this could see the Merseysiders adopt a more possession-based system of football. The Spanish legend has impressed at Bayer Leverkusen and would want to bring his own style to the place he once called home.

Zubimendi excels at using the ball and can help recycle the possession. Adding him to a roster that already has the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones would be overkill. Given that expectations will not take a hit at Liverpool despite Klopp’s impending exit, strength in depth in a key area of the pitch would be welcome.

Despite Arsenal’s recent rise, Liverpool remain the lone club capable of challenging Manchester City. Should Alonso go on to work the magic he has shown at Leverkusen, we should be in safe hands. The Spanish tactician came through the system at Real Sociedad and it remains to be seen if that connection would give us an edge in landing Zubimendi.

Whether it is Zubimendi or any other player, we hope work is being done behind the scenes at Anfield to ensure the transition from Klopp to his successor happens quickly and without any issues. The last thing we need is for our recruitment team to be hamstrung by inertia. After all, the show must go on.

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It will be an interesting summer for Liverpool one way or another. The winds of change are about to arrive at Anfield and unlike in 2015, they will arrive at a club seeking to keep its throne rather than one that needed mass surgery. Will Zubimendi be the first player to bring in a new era? Time will tell.