Latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip with an update on Martin Zubimendi plus the impact of Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal
Liverpool will have been keeping an eye on Sunday’s Premier League action as they hoped to consolidate their place at the top of the Premier League. A feisty clash between Manchester City and Arsenal was teed up to have early repercussions on the title race.
After a forgettable return to action after the September international break, this week has been a much more promising one for Arne Slot‘s side. Victory at the San Siro to begin this season’s Champions League campaign was followed up with a 3-0 home success against Bournemouth.
Coming up in the Premier League are two more matches on the road before the international break, but before those a clash between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s teams on Sunday was set to alter the standings in Liverpool‘s favour to an extent, regardless of the result. The ECHO takes a look at some of the latest Liverpool news and gossip that have generated headlines over the last 24 hours…
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January move for Zubimendi?
Even whilst Liverpool have found an ideal midfielder for Slot’s system with Ryan Gravenberch‘s emergence in the early weeks of the season, Martin Zubimendi‘s name is one that will just not disappear following his summer transfer links.
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The Reds’ No.38 played a starring role again as his side swept Bournemouth aside this time, in the aftermath of suggestions Real Sociedad’s holding man was already regretting his decision not to come to Anfield. Slot had commented on the club’s situation now the window is shut, saying they have moved on from that chapter and that everyone is pleased with Gravenberch now.
But in his latest YouTube update about Zubimendi, Fabrizio Romano claims that the club’s interest still exists.
“Liverpool didn’t sign another midfielder this summer because they only add players when they see top level, top potential, top value. This case, the case of Zubimendi, is also very clear – they tried in every way to get him. So, Liverpool interest remains,” said the reporter.
“Zubimendi remains a player of interest for Liverpool. The board, the directors, also the manager, Arne Slot, approved Zubimendi as a target but now they understand nothing is new, nothing is fresh, nothing is changed despite some reports in Spain saying Zubimendi was already regretting his decision.”
Commenting on the possibility of a return for the Euro 2024 winner, he added: “Maybe in January he could move, but at the moment Liverpool have received no indications from Real Sociedad, from Zubimendi, about any change. This is why Arne Slot didn’t want to comment now it is almost one month since we had the saga.”
Man City vs Arsenal draw bonus for Reds
Having taken maximum points themselves on Saturday, the Reds had Sunday to recover and keep watch on events with the potential to have importance in the season’s final standings at the Etihad Stadium. Liverpool had taken top spot on Saturday, but were unable to keep their place no matter the result on Sunday.
It may seem early to say that, but Manchester City vs Arsenal was being billed as a decisive clash between the reigning champions and runners-up of the past two campaigns. The Gunners looked to have stolen all three points at the home of their rivals, however an injury time equaliser in the 97th minute made sure of a 2-2 draw.
Commenting on the result, Liverpool legend and ECHO columnist John Aldridge wrote on X: “Really interesting game that today regarding LFC. I think the result was a good one regarding going for the league as Manchester City could lose points, if not more so an Arsenal win (which we would’ve liked) could’ve [helped] us at the end of the season? A great defensive display from the Gunners though.”
There were other factors to consider on top of the result regarding each of the club’s expected title rivals.
On the one hand midfielder Rodri was removed from the action with an injury, speculated to be an ACL problem, during the first half so City will be sweating over his fitness until scans reveal the full extent.
On the other, Leandro Trossard became the second Arsenal man to pick up a second yellow card – and subsequently was sent off – in their last three matches for delaying a restart by kicking the ball away. With the Gunners facing Liverpool in North London in one month, Mikel Arteta needs to drill discipline into his players or risk further disadvantages for the Reds’ visit.
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