Liverpool could drop clear Martin Zubimendi hint in January as Arsenal enters transfer race

Liverpool's summer transfer target Martin Zubimendi is attracting interest from Arsenal.

According to The Independent, the Gunners are monitoring Zubimendi's situation and could be poised to make a move for the Real Sociedad midfielder in next summer. Mikel Arteta's side already brought in Mikel Merino from the La Liga side in the summer and could double up on Basque midfielders to go alongside their Basque manager should they land Zubimendi.

The Reds spent plenty of time chasing the 25-year-old, and believed they had won the race for Zubimendi's signature, only for the Spanish international to opt to stay with Real Sociedad. And in the end, Zubimendi's decision to not move to Anfield has seen Ryan Gravenberch flourish in a new role under Arne Slot as a deeper midfielder.

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However, it has also been claimed the Reds are open to selling midfielder Wataru Endo in January, should Liverpool make a signing of their own when the transfer market opens up at the beginning of next year. Football Insider claim Wolves are interested in the Japanese midfielder who has fallen out of favor under Slot this term.

Gravenberch's new role has seen him partner either Alexis Mac Allister or Curtis Jones at the heart of their midfield pivot, leaving Endo as a bit part player. Should Liverpool let Endo go, it will be interesting to see whether they look to go back in for Zubimendi, who is also reportedly a target for Manchester City too.

Ultimately, Liverpool decided in the summer the 25-year-old was their main transfer target, and deemed him as so good they did not look to bring in another option after Zubimendi had decided to remain in the Basque Country. With Liverpool currently sitting top of the Premier League, and having won 15 of their opening 17 games, they could be a more enticing prospect in January to Zubimendi then they were in the summer when it was still unclear how Slot's would take to life at Anfield following Jurgen Klopp's departure.

Liverpool.com says: If the funds are there (which they should be given Liverpool only signed Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa this past summer) and Liverpool still view Martin Zubimendi like they did in the summer, they absolutely must go back in for the Spaniard. Failure to do so could see them let him end up at the Emirates playing for Mikel Arteta, or even at the Etihad playing for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.