Is the Martin Zubimendi deal going to happen?
It seems like it might just.
Real Sociedad have been putting on a charm offensive to get their midfielder to stay.
With a release clause in his contract, the only way that they can stop the player leaving is if the player himself rejects the move.
So the ball seems fully in the court of Zubimendi himself.
Journalists are now all speculating and reporting on what might happen next.
San Sebastian reporter Mikel Recalde, who gave DaveOCKOP an exclusive interview on the transfer, has provided an update this morning.
Writing in the Noticias de Gipuzkoa local newspaper, Recalde states that there is an air of tension at Real as they wait to hear back on both the Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino transfers.
Merino, another midfielder at the club, is believed to be a target for Arsenal Football Club.
Recalde writes that the tension is so high in the club that Sociedad’s communications department have cancelled all player interviews this week until the future of both players are resolved.
Liverpool have apparently given Martin Zubimendi a deadline to make a decision before they move onto other targets in their shortlist.
Real Sociedad also want an answer soon to know whether they need to bring in a replacement.
Recalde states that the club is determined to get one of the two to stay.
Club officials know that it will not be possible to replace both their quality and don’t want to interrupt the sporting project with their departures.
Of the two, Recalde believs that Martin Zubimendi will have his future sorted first as Arsenal are yet to make a formal bid for Mikel Merino.
In Recalde’s view, he believes that it’s most probable that Martin Zubimendi will say yes to moving to Anfield.
And if Arsenal bid for Merino, it’s probable that transfer will go through as well. The Sociedad hierarchy have promised the player already that they’ll discuss a transfer for him if he wants.
If that happens, Real Sociedad are likely to lose both of their players.
For Liverpool fans, this is positive news.
Whereas for Sociedad fans, this could be a nightmare week just as the new season is about to get underway.
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