Arsenal has 3 reasons to be confident of Martin Zubimendi transfer as Liverpool 'condition' emerges

Arsenal has reportedly emerged as a potential suitor for Martin Zubimendi, Liverpool's principal transfer target during the most recent summer window.

It is claimed by The Independent that Zubimendi's traits as a deep-lying midfielder are in high demand in the modern game, and that Mikel Arteta wants to sign Zubimendi to enhance the tactical options available to his Gunners team.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot identified the Spanish midfielder as his top target earlier this year, and it appeared as though a transfer was a formality, only for Zubimendi to decide to stay at Real Sociedad.

It is not clear whether Liverpool intends to revisit its interest in the 25-year-old at a later date, but Ryan Gravenberch has thrived in the deep-lying midfield position that Zubimendi was earmarked to play in by Slot.

• Man who allegedly appeared in leaked David Coote video suspended from job after Jurgen Klopp rant

• The five Premier League referees who are already barred from refereeing Liverpool matches

It is believed Zubimendi chose to remain in Sociedad as he didn't want his boyhood club to have to deal with an extremely difficult adaptation period, after Robin Le Normand had left to join Atletico Madrid and as Mikel Merino was preparing to sign for Arsenal.

However, it is added that Zubimendi's decision to stay was on the condition that he would be allowed to leave in the future for the right price. While it remains to be seen whether Zubimendi has missed the boat with Liverpool, he could yet end up at another top Premier League club in Arsenal.

The report touches on three reasons why a move to Arsenal could make perfect sense. Firstly, Arsenal has a good relationship with Sociedad after successfully negotiating a deal for Merino in the summer; secondly, Arteta has links to the club and the region after being born in San Sebastian and having spent a season playing for La Real; and thirdly, Merino's relationship, on and off the field, with Zubimendi, could help Zubimendi to settle into life at the club quickly as well as provide immediate on-field chemistry.