Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi included in Real Sociedad squad but Arsenal boost as Mikel Merino left out

Liverpool transfer target Martin Zubimendi has been included in Real Sociedad’s squad to play Union Berlin in a pre-season friendly on Friday night.

Standard Sport understands the Spanish international – who won Euro 2024 earlier summer – has been identified as a primary target for head coach Arne Slot this summer.

There is believed to be a confidence at Anfield about signing the 25-year-old, who is thought to have a release clause worth £51m in his contract with the Basque club.

Zubimendi has been of long-term interest to Arsenal too, though they are now pursuing a deal for teammate Mikel Merino.

The former Newcastle midfielder has been left out of the squad to face Union in the German capital as the Gunners chase his signature.

Merino, who was on Arsenal’s radar even before Euro 2024, reported for pre-season training earlier this week but is into the final year of his contract and has so far been unwilling to sign an extension.

Last week, Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay expressed doubts as to whether or not the 28-year-old would return from pre-season, having been afforded an extended break after winning Euro 2024.

“I don’t know, we are aware that Merino has offers, and we know them,” Aperribay was quoted as saying by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

“The conversation with him and those around him has been very sincere and I hope his decision is to stay, he already knows that we want him to stay. He has had a renewal offer for some time. And if not, we will try to negotiate the best way out for Real Sociedad.”