After Arsenal's devastating blow, Liverpool chooses Zubimendi as their "destroyer" with superior stats as their "top" target.

Although the Reds have quickly found a new midfield target whose numbers have been even better in La Liga this season, 

Arsenal appears to have succeeded where Liverpool failed last summer in persuading Martin Zubimendi to leave Real Sociedad for the Premier League. 

Last year, Zubimendi was Liverpool's primary target to bolster the midfield; in fact, it was agreed not to even pursue an option when he chose to remain with his boyhood club. 

Ryan Gravenberch has since had a much better season in the middle of the park, so luckily for Liverpool, the answer came from within.

But even with Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister playing well, Liverpool is still being linked to new midfield players. Arsenal reportedly verbally agreed to sign Zubimendi, therefore ending any chance of acquiring him. 

But it appears Liverpool has once again turned their attention to the Spanish market. Anfield Watch claims that Mikel Jauregizar of Athletic Club is their new top midfield target.

In the second leg of Athletic's Europa League semi-final loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford only this week, Jauregizar scored from outside the box.

Jauregizar has outperformed Zubimendi in La Liga this season in terms of creating more opportunities, winning more tackles, and giving up possession less frequently. 

Additionally, Jauregizar averages more ball recoveries when their data are corrected for each ninety minutes. 

They are equal in goals and assists. According to the Anfield Watch article, Liverpool is still looking for a "midfield destroyer," and Jauregizar is their top target. 

The 21-year-old has pleased Liverpool's scouts, who believe he might be the "disruptor" they currently lack in their midfield.

According to the report, Liverpool "are ready to make a move" for Jauregizar, but they must first determine how a trade would fit into their other summer plans.

Liverpool must persuade Jauregizar

The Premier League champions, who wish to bolster from a strong position, are anticipated to have an extraordinary summer window. For instance, signings in attack and full-back positions might occur.

Liverpool, however, is aware of their need for midfield options, which may indicate that Wataru Endo, who Arne Slot does not consider a viable choice for anything other than a game-managing replacement, may leave.

At the event that Jauregizar is chosen to succeed him, Liverpool would have to purchase him out of a contract at Bilbao that expires in 2027.

Additionally, in April, Jauregizar acknowledged, "I'm happy where I am," repeating Zubimendi's earlier position of remaining in Spain. 

Athletic will always be the name of my team. I hope to establish a life here, as I have always wanted to play.

What are the two attacking departures from Liverpool? A fresh defender?

In other news, a European team vying for the title has added Darwin Nunez to their shortlist, intensifying the competition to remove him. 

If Liverpool wants to solidify their goals and Nunez is attracting a fair amount of interest, they may need to make room for a better striker this summer. 

It has been disclosed that his most recent admirers intend to connect him with Kevin De Bruyne, the leaving Manchester City legend.

Meanwhile, a highly regarded centre-back who is looking for a move abroad has apparently received a "formal proposal" from Liverpool. 

Additionally, it appears that Slot and Liverpool's decision-makers disagree about the future of a well-liked forward who might be sold against the wishes of the head coach.

Mikel Jauregizar: Who is he?

Although Zubimendi has remained faithful to Real Sociedad over the years, Athletic Club, their Basque rivals, has a team that is entirely composed of local players. 

Despite only having played for the senior team for one season, Jauregizar is one of the team's most impressive players. Jauregizar was only signed by Athletic in 2021, at the age of 17, after having already competed for Bermeo in the Spanish third level.

Jauregizar didn't make his Athletic first-team debut until December 2023, but he has emerged as a vital member this year.

Even though he isn't always the deepest player in a 4-4-2 formation, Jauregizar is a centre midfielder with some decent defensive qualities. 

In the 2025 Europa League semi-finals, he scored from beyond the box against Manchester United, marking a high moment in his career. 

Even if he didn't have many goals prior to that, he is accustomed to shooting from a distance.

His chance creation numbers appear promising, and he possesses good technical skill. His aggressive skills are demonstrated off the ball, as he sits in the 99th percentile of La Liga midfielders for tackles per 90 minutes this season.