Declan Rice's ability to transfer to Arsenal has been questioned after it was reported that Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is "very close" to joining the Gunners.
Rice has been widely speculated about a move to the Emirates after turning down several contract extensions at West Ham.
While the 24-year-old is considered a priority target for Mikel Arteta this summer as the Spaniard prepares for a packed schedule in the Champions League next season.
However, any potential move could now be in jeopardy after reports from Spain revealed that Zubimendi is "very close" to a move to north London.
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Zubimendi was originally linked with Arsenal in January, although he decided to turn down the move mid-season when Arteta opted to sign Jorginho from Chelsea instead. It looks like the Gunners have now rekindled their interest in the 24-year-old, who plays a similar role to Rice.
Zubimendi 'very close' to Arsenal move
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Zubimendi has spent his entire playing career at Real Sociedad, helping them finish fourth in La Liga and a Champions League final ahead.
Barcelona have long been a fan of the midfielder but have decided to pursue their target, according to Spanish newspaper AS, with Arsenal currently leading the way in his signature.
Should the Gunners complete the signing of Zubimendi, Rice could begin to reconsider his options, with many of the midfielders currently vying for a place in Arsenal's starting XI.
Furthermore, Arsenal could find themselves short on funds, with Zubimendi's release clause set at £53m. Advertisement
On the other hand, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Jorginho are all in their 30s, meaning Zubimendi could be signed with Rice in the heart of midfield as Arteta plans his future.
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Darwin Núñez has found his game time limited in recent times, but that hasn't stopped a Liverpool legend who can recognize the threat the Uruguayan poses.
Darwin Núñez has had to wait his time in recent weeks after losing his place in the Liverpool starting line-up.
But the Uruguayan returned to the first team on Wednesday night as Fulham traveled to Anfield in the Premier League and it was his eagerness to close the game that the Reds were awarded a penalty, which resulted in the only goal. most of a tight match.
The 23-year-old has not started a match in Liverpool's last five and despite 15 goals in all competitions since Jürgen Klopp brought him to Anfield last summer, Núñez has failed to score a single goal. at least once in the last match. 10 appearances.
The former Benfica star has recently been limited to playing time due to the deployment of January signing Cody Gakpo at center forward, but former Anfield favorite John Barnes is on the way. backing Núñez to be good for Liverpool, as was the man who prevented him from playing. party until Wednesday. Speaking to BonusCodeBets about Liverpool's attacking options, Barnes said:
"I think what we need in Gakpo and Núñez is consistency rather than improvement. They will improve when they are more consistent.
"Although Núñez hasn't played much lately, I feel he is our most dangerous striker this season with his enthusiasm and willingness to work. I don't think there is any improvement. They have a good attitude and they work hard for the team. Next season we'll see them do it more consistently.
"Gakpo has been in the spotlight as he plays regularly and the fans appreciate him. He's come with a team that's been in inconsistent form. In the last four or five games, Liverpool have played well and he He contributed to it with goals.
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"Núñez and Gakpo will play more often when Klopp establishes and appoints the team next season. Gakpo has played very well in the last four games.
The fitness returns of Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz have left Liverpool's German boss with choice headaches in recent weeks, but it's a problem he will be happy to deal with. Jota and Díaz both scored in Liverpool's weekend win over Spurs, maintaining competition for positions up front.
However, Núñez remains Liverpool's second-leading goalscorer this season, behind only Mohamed Salah, and although the Uruguayan endured a few tough moments against Fulham, he is hopeful. I did enough to get another starter against Brentford on Saturday.
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