Liverpool fans all send clear verdict about Arsenal closing in on Martin Zubimendi transfer for £51 million

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After Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool in the summer, he looks set to sign for Arsenal.

Martin Zubimendi looks poised to join Mikel Arteta’s side, according to the Daily Mail – with the Gunners expected to trigger his £51 million release clause in the summer of 2025.

The report has stated that Arsenal would like to add the Spanish international to their roster immediately.

However, Real Sociedad have insisted that the 25-year-old will stay at the Anoeta Stadium until the remainder of the season.

Zubimendi regretted not signing for Liverpool as Sociedad managed to persuade him not to leave his boyhood club. Liverpool remained interested in signing Zubimendi this month.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side seem to have snapped the European Championship winner up.

Liverpool fans fuming as Arsenal look set to sign Martin Zubimendi

Liverpool fans took to X to express their frustration at Zubimendi looking likely to become an Arsenal player in the summer.

Several Reds supporters directed their disdain towards Richard Hughes, considering the Gunners seem to have hijacked a deal for the sought-after conductor.

One Liverpool fan wrote: “Richard Hughes spent all summer begging Zubimendi to join Liverpool, and lost out to mountains. Arsenal come out of nowhere and get it done for next season. What is going on?”

Two supporters called for Hughes’ head, with Federico Chiesa, who is frustrated at Liverpool being the only signing he made in the summer transfer window.

One fan stated: “All PR to keep the fans quiet for a bit. He's [Richard Hughes] absolutely shocking. Surely, this must be ground for a dismissal.”

Another Liverpool fan was raging in his response about Hughes, claiming: “He's done nothing but fail since he joined. I need him sacked. Simple as that. He's the worst sporting director we've ever had and is an active laughing stock.”

A fourth Reds supporter also stated that with Richard Hughes failing to get Zubimendi’s signing over the line, “the clock is now ticking” regarding the time he has left to prove his worth.

“Whether we were interested in Zubimendi for next summer or not, Richard Hughes has done nothing so far to justify his appointment. The German fella [Jorg Schmadtke] who lived in Ibiza had a better first 6 months. Hughes may well come good but the clock is now ticking.”

Other Liverpool fans were not as bothered about Zubimendi, who Arne Slot was keen on reported to be heading to Arsenal.

One fan wrote: “Zubimendi may be a fine player but rejecting a move last summer was a red flag. Not sure you go back in after that. Hell be 26 by the summer so the time to sign him was probably summer 23 or 24. And there's alternatives. [Ryan] Gravenberch’s unexpected form no doubt changed minds also.”

Another Liverpool fan stated that even if Zubimendi, who Mikel Arteta admires did join Arsenal, he is not particularly concerned as he doubts it turns them into Premier League title contenders.

“There's not even 1% of me care about Zubimendi. He did the right thing for him and stayed with Sociedad, fair play to him and he's ready to move next summer, us not going back in is the right thing… hood player, will do well at Arsenal but does he turn them from contenders?”

Another fan admitted that Zubimendi’s potential move to Arsenal would have irked him had Gravenberch not had an impeccable season.

“I'd be annoyed about Zubimendi if Gravenberch hadn't turned into the greatest midfielder of all time.”

Finally, an eighth supporter backed Richard Hughes as he felt the highly-rated techncian simply did not wish to play his football for Arne Slot and Co.

“Why are Liverpool fans getting mad at Richard Hughes? It's not his fault Zubimendi didn't want to play for us in the end.”

Arne Slot has admitted Martin Zubimendi rejected Liverpool

Slot admitted in August that Zubimendi snubbed a move to Anfield.

The Dutchman said via The Guardian: “I said many times already that I think our squad is really strong and it’s not so easy to find players that can help us or can even strengthen the squad. Zubimendi was one of them, to be fair but he decided not to come and we go forward with the ones we have.”

Liverpool were willing to pay Zubimendi’s release clause but Arne Slot admitted that despite their best efforts, he decided to stay at Real Sociedad.

“In the background, Richard [Hughes] is trying to strengthen the squad as he can. But unfortunately, Zubimendi decided not to come.”

“He tried every effort, he tried everything to bring him in but if a player doesn’t want to come, it’s obvious that he then is not coming.”

Zubimendi’s keenness on Arsenal is down to Arteta, who is considered a key factor in the move advancing.

Ian Wright is a huge admirer of Zubimendi, who could slot in alongside Declan Rice next season.

As for Liverpool, all they can do is analyse why they could not sign the San Sebastian-born star.