Arsenal and Liverpool have been working on deals for two separate Real Sociedad midfielders over the last few weeks.
The Gunners are keen on signing Mikel Merino with the player keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium. Liverpool, meanwhile, have been heavily linked with Merino’s teammate Martin Zubimendi, but have now received a major blow.
It emerged on Tuesday night that Zubimendi had informed Liverpool of his wish to stay at Real Sociedad beyond the summer. The decision effectively puts an end to their pursuit of the midfielder with Liverpool now having to move on to other midfield targets.
The decision could, in theory, have an impact on Arsenal’s hopes of signing Merino this summer. Reports in Spain suggest that Real Sociedad have offered both players the chance to stay and become the highest earners at the club.
