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Liverpool keep door open for Martin Zubimendi as Arsenal enter race, Everton face exodus - Paper Round
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Updated 30/11/2024 at 08:25 GMT
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Liverpool are considering another bid for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi but face competition from Premier League title rivals Arsenal. Elsewhere, Everton could lose 13 players at the end of the season - including striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin - and Wolverhampton Wanderers hope to retain £53 million-rated Matheus Cunha with a new contract.
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Liverpool face competition for Zubimendi
The Mirror reports that Liverpool have not ruled out another attempt to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The club failed last summer, but they are open to making another run at the player, though Arsenal may compete for his signature.
The paper claims: "Liverpool could yet make a fresh move for Spain star Martin Zubimendi despite being dealt a major blow by one of their rivals.
"The Reds looked to be on the verge of signing the midfielder in the summer. Liverpool were willing to activate the €60m (£50.1m) release clause written into his contract with the Spanish side.
"But a move did not come to fruition as Zubimendi u-turned on a move and decided to stay with Sociedad. Liverpool though could yet reignite their interest in the 25-year-old.
"While Liverpool remain admirers of Zubimendi, they could face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal. The Gunners are also interested in the midfielder and reports in Spain recently claimed that he was on the verge of accepting an offer from the Emirates Stadium ahead of next season."
Everton face exodus
Everton’s new owners, the Friedkin Group, have decisions to make with 13 players able to leave for nothing next summer.
The Athletic explains that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is yet to show any willingness to strike a new deal, while several other players are staring at the exit door.
The website notes: "Including their four loan signings Jack Harrison, Orel Mangala, Jesper Lindstrom and Armando Broja, 13 players will be out of contract at the end of this campaign.
"Of those loanees, only Lindstrom and Broja have purchase options, while Everton possess the right to extend the deals of second-choice goalkeeper Joao Virginia and midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure by a further 12 months.
"Mason Holgate, currently on loan at West Brom, is way down the pecking order and will leave when his deal expires at the end of June. Veterans Asmir Begovic (37), Seamus Coleman (36) and Ashley Young (39) are all coming towards the end of their time at the top level, although Young has already said he would like to keep playing.
"Defender Michael Keane is one of the club’s highest earners and unlikely to be offered a comparable deal.
"Decisions need to be made over Idrissa Gueye, who will be 36 at the start of next season but is still Everton’s most consistent performer in midfield, and Doucoure.
"Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future remains up in the air. The striker was offered fresh terms last summer but has yet to show a willingness to re-sign."
Wolves want big sum for Cunha
Wolverhampton Wanderers want to tie Matheus Cunha down to a new contract and protect his value.
The club are planning to refuse any offers that are not well in excess of £53 million.
The Telegraph explains: "Matheus Cunha is in line for a lucrative new contract after emerging as Wolves’ most valuable player at a time of crisis.
"The Brazilian is leading a new generation of Samba stars at Molineux and has provided hope of a brighter future for the club. After joining from Atletico Madrid and announced by Wolves on Christmas Day 2022, he is the gift that keeps on giving.
"Wolves are set to reward Cunha by initiating talks over improved terms for their own version of Cole Palmer and, while the club insist there is no chance of him being sold in the January transfer window, it does seem inevitable that Wolves will face pressure from heavyweight clubs in the summer.
"However, Wolves are well aware that an acceptable transfer fee will have to obliterate the previous record sale of £53 million, from Matheus Nunes’s departure to Manchester City last year."
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