Martin Zubimendi is a name that Liverpool fans have likely grown weary of hearing about recently.

The Spanish international was strongly linked with a move to Anfield during the summer transfer window, as Arne Slot sought to bolster the midfield. Despite initially agreeing to a transfer, Zubimendi opted to remain at Real Sociedad, choosing loyalty to his boyhood club over a Premier League switch.

Reports surfaced yesterday suggesting that Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal in the summer of 2025, marking the end of his time at Sociedad. However, sources close to the San Sebastián club have dismissed these rumors, reigniting Liverpool’s hopes of signing the Euro 2024 champion.

Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi hasn’t agreed Arsenal transfer

In the summer transfer window, Arne Slot prioritized signing a defensive midfielder for Liverpool, identifying Spanish international Martin Zubimendi as his top target. The Reds were prepared to activate his £51m release clause, but the move ultimately fell through. Instead, Slot turned to Ryan Gravenberch as his number six—a decision that has turned out to be a masterstroke.

Despite the missed opportunity, Liverpool has continued to monitor Zubimendi closely. Yesterday, reports from English media suggesting an imminent move to Arsenal caught Anfield supporters off guard. However, Noticias de Gipuzkoa has since disputed these claims, denying that the Real Sociedad star has committed to joining the Gunners.

Zubimendi has already turned down offers from some of the world’s biggest clubs during his young career. While a transfer seems inevitable in the future, he has yet to make a final decision. The report also notes that Real Madrid and Manchester City are in the race to secure his services, adding another twist to the saga.

Liverpool’s stance on future Zubimendi deal

Liverpool heavily prioritized Martin Zubimendi during the summer transfer window, but their stance on the Spanish international appears to have shifted as the season has progressed.

Zubimendi, who continues to shine for both club and country, is unlikely to lack suitors in future transfer windows. However, Liverpool are not actively pursuing him at the moment, though their position could change in the coming months.

Ryan Gravenberch has firmly established himself in the number six role, starting every Premier League and UEFA Champions League match under Arne Slot this season. His emergence as a key player may have altered Liverpool’s transfer plans, making it likely that the Reds will look for a different midfield profile in the summer.

Napoli has had constructive discussions with Alejandro Garnacho’s representatives, but Manchester United has placed a hefty price tag on him, making his move unlikely for now, despite the funds generated from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s sale, according to Alfredo Pedullà.

The Argentine is open to a transfer, but Manchester United has several other matters to address.

Marcus Rashford will soon make his decision, and Joshua Zirkzee’s future remains uncertain due to his limited role under Ruben Amorim. The club may not want to lose too many attackers in the same window.

Napoli began with a €45M bid for Garnacho, but it fell short of United’s demand of at least £60M. The Italian club is hesitant to use nearly all the funds from Kvaratskhelia’s departure on one player.

Garnacho is the only player directly recommended by Antonio Conte as a replacement for Kvaratskhelia, and Napoli will continue to pursue him as long as there’s any chance of securing the deal.

Juventus has made serious inquiries about him, but they are looking at a summer move. Manchester United may prefer to delay the transfer until after resolving their other priorities.

Fabrizio Romano gives Randal Kolo Muani transfer update

Manchester United had been strongly linked with PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani, who was expected to leave Paris in January. A six-month loan deal, likely with an option to buy, seemed like a perfect move for United to strengthen their struggling attack.

It was even reported that United would do everything in their power to secure Kolo Muani’s signing. However, that’s no longer the case.

Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed Kolo Muani’s loan move to Juventus for six months, without any buy option, whether permanent or optional.

Romano added that the French striker has accepted the offer and will undergo medical tests in Turin this week as Juventus bolsters their attacking squad.

This deal removes one forward from the market for United, while also concluding another transfer saga, this time involving an outgoing player.

Juventus’s Randal Kolo Muani signing gives Joshua Zirkzee clarity

The impact of Kolo Muani’s transfer will likely ripple through the market, as he was also linked to Tottenham and had an influence on Joshua Zirkzee’s future.

Zirkzee’s future at United had been uncertain until recently, with Amorim acknowledging that some movement could occur.

Juventus had been the most reliable club linked with Zirkzee, and a move there made sense for all involved. Zirkzee could reunite with Thiago Motta, Juventus would get a player they had pursued in the summer, and United could cut their losses on a player who hadn’t made much of an impact.

However, Zirkzee seems to have turned things around and can now focus on succeeding at United, especially with Juventus now signing a striker.

Given that no other clubs had been linked to Zirkzee, it seems unlikely he will move this January, particularly after Kolo Muani’s transfer to Juventus.

While a surprise move can never be entirely ruled out, it appears that Romano’s statement has resolved two transfer sagas at United—one incoming and one outgoing.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Levante defender Andres Garcia, according to Portuguese newspaper Record.

The report suggests Villa are among the clubs eyeing the versatile 21-year-old right-back, adding him to their list of potential January defensive targets.

After already securing Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund this week, Villa are keen to make further winter market additions.

Strengthening the right-back position has become a priority, and Garcia is now the latest target.

In addition to his right-back role, Garcia can also play as a centre-back. His impressive performances for Levante, where he has started every match this season in Spain’s second tier, scoring three goals and providing three assists, have caught the attention of clubs such as Sporting Lisbon, Real Betis, Sevilla, and Villa.

The young talent seems promising, but Villa must act quickly.

Garcia has a £10 million release clause, which could rise to £21 million if Levante secure promotion to La Liga. Sporting believe they can sign him for around £5.9 million this winter, a fee Villa should be able to meet.

However, Villa could also shift focus to other right-back options, with Fabrizio Romano recently reporting that the club may turn their attention to Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza.

Emery is keen on the 25-year-old Spanish defender, but no formal bid has been made yet. Mingueza has a £16.6 million release clause, and Villa would need to meet that amount to bring him to Villa Park.

While Garcia offers a more affordable option, Villa might ultimately need a player who can contribute immediately, making Mingueza a stronger choice.