Arsenal and Liverpool in £50m transfer battle amid Martin Zubimendi update

Martin Zubimendi has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal but recent weeks have seen Real Madrid increasingly tipped to hijack Mikel Arteta's £51million move

The 2024-25 season may be reaching its climax but clubs are already well underway planning for the summer transfer window. This week saw the European quarter-final first legs take place, with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea all in action.

And at the weekend, the Premier League will resume. But in the background, clubs are preparing for another big summer of spending.

Arsenal's search for a new striker has been streamlined by the appointment of new sporting director Andrea Berta while title rivals Liverpool are closing in on tying Mo Salah down to a new contract after months of speculation. Virgil van Dijk is also expected to sign a new deal but Trent Alexander-Anrold looks bound for Real Madrid.

But when it comes to new arrivals, Arsenal and Liverpool could find themselves in a battle for one of Europe's most wanted youngsters.

Here's a round-up of the latest football news.

Arsenal and Liverpool hold Huijsen talks

Five Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly met with Dean Huijsen's agents to discuss triggering his £50million release clause. Bournemouth defender Huijsen is set to be in demand this summer, having just made his debut for Spain.

The Athletic report that Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham have also sat down with the 19-year-old's representatives. It's added that both Bournemouth and Huijsen want a swift resolution over his future.

Read the full story on Huijsen here.

Which club would be better for Dean Huijsen - Arsenal or Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section.

Zubimendi to Arsenal update

Arsenal anticipate having a clear run at Real Socieded midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, Mirror Football understands. In recent weeks, Real Madrid have been increasingly linked with Zubimendi, 26, who Gunners boss Mikel Arteta greatly admires.

The foundations have been laid for a £51m deal and Madrid have yet to push ahead with a move of their own. Conversely, Arsenal will face competition for their striker targets.

Get the latest Arsenal transfer news here.

Gravenberch's agent drops Real Madrid bombshell

Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch's agent has revealed that they'd 'love' him to sign for Real Madrid. Under Arne Slot, 22-year-old Gravenberch has become one of Liverpool's most important players.

But Spanish agent Jose Fortes has suggested that the midfelder's long-term ambition is to play at the Bernabeu. "He's good enough for Real Madrid," Fortes told Marca. "We would love for him to play for them, but Liverpool would ask for a lot of money."

Read what else Fortes had to say here.

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