Liverpool suffer double transfer blow as former target set for Real Madrid

Liverpool have suffered a double transfer blow at the hands of Real Madrid with Martin Zubimendi - who almost joined the Reds last summer - now on their radar

Liverpool have suffered a double transfer blow at the hands of Real Madrid.

Arne Slot's side had been keen on Real Sociedad's midfielder Martin Zubimendi last summer - and he seemed destined for Anfield before performing an 11th hour U-turn.

Explaining his decision, he said: "They were uncomfortable moments for me, because, as is normal, people talk a lot. But, anyway, you think about the pros and cons, thinking about it carefully, and you come to the conclusion that, well, for me the best thing was to stay at Real.

"Each one also looks at their personal progress a little. Because of who I am, the project, and the importance that I was going to have this year, I think that I still had steps to take at Real.

“Yes, there are many variables that come into the equation, but the main one was, selfishly thinking, what was best for me.

"It is true that then there are those thoughts, but I tell you that I tried to be, although it may seem untrue, as selfish as possible, thinking about myself first and foremost, the best thing was to stay."

Arsenal had also been keeping tabs on Zubimendi - but he now looks destined for Real Madrid. According to El Partidazo de COPE, Zubimendi's agent is listening to offers ahead of the summer transfer window.

And Madrid are said to be interested in his signature.

Madrid are already making moves in the transfer market - and talkSPORT claim the Reds' vice-captain will quit Anfield after agreeing personal terms over a five-year deal worth more than £220,000-per-week.

The England international's contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the season and Madrid, who have been long-time admirers and heavily linked with signing the right-back as a free agent in the summer, see him as the ideal replacement for vice-captain Dani Carvajal.

Liverpool rejected a £20million bid from Madrid for their vice-captain in the January transfer window, choosing to keep hold of Alexander-Arnold for the remainder of the current season.