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As early as last June, Arsenal were getting wind of Real Madrid's interest in then Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso - who admires Zubimendi, having worked with him in Sociedad's B team - to replace the incumbent Carlo Ancelotti.

Bayer Leverkusen have signed defender Jarell Quansah from Liverpool in a £35m deal.

"He has already made an impressive impact in a Liverpool defence dominated by world-class players," said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes.

Anfield team-mate Jarell Quansah will be expecting more top-level minutes at Bayer Leverkusen, once his impending move from Liverpool is confirmed, after struggling for game time for the champions this season, and, at 33, Dan Burn's England career will not go on forever.

The Reds have since spent big on recruitment, signing Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a club-record £116m deal.