Arne Slot makes Martin Zubimendi admission after Liverpool's failed summer move

Arne Slot has insisted that Liverpool have "moved on" from Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi after they failed to secure his signature in the summer.

Liverpool were keen to sign a number six in the summer and identified Zubimendi as their one of their top transfer targets.

The Reds appeared to be on the verge of signing the Euro 2024 winner, before he ultimately decided to stay with his boyhood club Real Sociedad.

There has been a suggestion that Zubimendi already regrets his decision and wants Liverpool to reignite their interest in January.

Zubimendo is currently part of a Real Sociedad side that have experienced a poor start to the season, having won just one of their opening seven La Liga games.

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Slot drops hint over any future Zubimendi move

Slot has seemingly indicated that Liverpool will decide against renewing their interest in Zubimendi and has heaped praise on Ryan Gravenberch, who has impressed in a deep midfield position this season.

"If you've noticed it is not that much of one holding midfielder, it is a bit more two," Slot told reporters ahead of Saturday's 3-0 win over Bournemouth.

And one of those two can be a bit more attacking and I think the player you mentioned [Zubimendi] could have fitted in one of those two roles and Ryan can fit in both roles like Curtis Jones can, Alexis Mac Allister can and Wataru Endo can.

"There is no point talking about Zubimendi anymore because he stayed with Real Sociedad and we've moved on and we are really happy with Ryan.

"You see a Ryan who is full of confidence and that comes normally with good performances and trusting your team-mates and knowing that you can do what you have to at that level."

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Has Gravenberch solved Liverpool's midfield conundrum?

Gravenberch, who arrived from Bayern Munich last summer, had to settle for 21 starts in 38 competitive appearances during his first season at Anfield.

However, he has enjoyed regular starting in the opening stages of the current campaign, having showcased that he more than capable of being a number six.

Gravenberch has played every minute of Liverpool's six competitive matches this season and is now regarded as the club's first-choice holding midfielder.

The Dutchman will have to be rested on occasions due to the busy schedule, but his impressive early season form ultimately has made him one of the first names on Slot's teamsheet.

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