Football News Update: Real Sociedad’s Transfer Dilemma Amidst Arsenal and Liverpool Interest
According to the latest reports, Spanish club Real Sociedad is facing a challenging situation as they try to retain the services of their midfield duo, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, who have both been linked with moves to Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool.
Liverpool’s Interest in Zubimendi
Liverpool have recently expressed strong interest in signing Zubimendi, who has also attracted attention from Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and FC Barcelona. It is widely believed that the Spanish international does not wish to leave Sociedad, but journalist David Ornstein has reported that Zubimendi is expected to accept a move to Anfield if the two clubs can agree on a fee.
Arsenal’s Focus on Merino
Meanwhile, Arsenal have also been interested in Zubimendi, but they are reportedly prioritizing a move for his club and national team teammate, Merino. The former Newcastle United player is out of contract next year and is believed to be available for around £25 million.
“Tension continues to rise” within the club’s sporting management, with the situation being described as the “most disturbing moments since they have been at the helm.”
This latest development has thrown a spanner in the works for Sociedad, who are very reluctant to lose both players this summer. A report from Spain claims that the club’s communication department has cancelled all player interviews in the week leading up to the start of the season, as they focus on resolving the futures of their two key midfielders. Neither Arsenal nor Liverpool are said to be interested in delaying the transfers, with the transfer market closing in just two weeks.
Sociedad are at least boosted by the fact that Liverpool have set a deadline for Zubimendi to make a decision, but the ideal scenario for the Spanish club would be to keep at least one of the two players. However, this is seen as a challenging task, with Zubimendi’s move to Liverpool being described as “probable.”
As the clock ticks down, Sociedad’s obsession is to try to convince at least one of the two players to stay, as they are fully aware that the departure of both would be a “catastrophe of dimensions not yet known.” The future of Takefusa Kubo could also be impacted if Merino and Zubimendi leave the club.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Real Sociedad as they navigate this challenging transfer situation, with the futures of their star midfielders hanging in the balance.
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