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Liverpool were heaving linked with a move for Martin Zubimendi last summer before the midfielder turned them down to stay at Real Sociedad.

Liverpool are watching on as Premier League rivals Arsenal look set to suffer from a similar transfer blow the Reds experienced last summer.

Arne Slot's side were heavily linked with a move for Real Sociedad deep-lying playmaker Martin Zubimendi and even agreed a fee with the La Liga side.

However, the Spanish international made a late decision to reject a move to the Reds and stay with his boyhood club, with Slot's men going on to win the Premier League title.

Fast forward just under 12 months, and it's Mikel Arteta who appears to be on the brink of suffering from similar disappointment.

Zubimendi has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, with some outlets reporting a medical had been booked in for the 26-year-old.

READ MORE:Liverpool midfielder wanted as several players targeted for summer transferREAD MORE:Florian Wirtz transfer latest as Liverpool meeting with Rayan Cherki explained

However, a recent interview from the Spaniard has cast doubt over a move to north London, in a similar fashion to last summer.

When asked by Radiogaceta de los Deportes if he had any plans to stay at Real Sociedad this summer, which was then relayed by noticias de Gipzukoa, Zubimendi said: "Of course there are options, but it's true that it seems like it's going to be a different, long summer, and I don't know how it will end.

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"I don't think thinking about that right now is my priority.

I'm here with the national team, which I think is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will."

When asked specifically about a medical with the Gunners, the Spanish international said: "It's an example of what surrounds football.

It's true that I don't take it very seriously, but anyway, I uploaded those photos to emphasize a little that it wasn't exactly the reality that was happening."

Liverpool would learn from that lesson and have been proactive in this season's summer market, bringing in Jeremie Frimpong to address Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure, while they remain in talks with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Florian Wirtz.

After last season's success, it appears focus has shifted away from the need to bring in a holding midfielder, with Ryan Gravenberch impressing in that role last season.

Zubimendi has also caught the eye of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has recently taken over at Real Madrid and is reportedly keen on a move for the midfielder this summer.

The current Sociedad midfielder kept his cards close to his chest regarding potential talks with Los Blancos.

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"I have always said that he was my idol and that for me it was lucky that he was able to coach me in the reserve team in a very important year," he added.

"The following year I was already in the first team and, well, I don't like to talk about those hypotheses, I prefer to talk about the present, because I also think that it would be disrespectful to answer from the national team training camp and before facing such an important competition."


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