Liverpool are likely to miss out on their top two transfer targets in 2023 with Manchester United ready to pinch Jurgen Klopp’s dream signing, Arsenal are closing on an excellent free-transfer addition, while Sunday’s Transfer Gossip claims Barcelona are readying yet another raid on Chelsea.
JUDE BELLINGHAM SLIPPING AWAY FROM LIVERPOOL
Liverpool look poised to miss out on their No 1 target of 2023 with Jude Bellingham reportedly now too pricey a deal for the Reds to afford.
The Merseysiders are in desperate need of fresh blood in their engine room after yet another costly defeat on Saturday. And with Leeds claiming a magnificent 2-1 victory at Anfield on Saturday evening, pundit Graeme Souness was quick to take five players to the cleaners.
Indeed, Klopp is well aware that he needs new midfielders in 2023. With James Milner, 37 in January, likely in his last season at Anfield, both Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also likely to leave as free agents.
As such, the Reds boss is focusing on at least two new additions there in the next two windows.
And top of his wanted list is Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham.
The teenager is emerging as one of the world’s hottest properties after some excellent displays for BVB. With eight goals and two assists to his name from 18 games this season, it’s easy to see why.
However, with interest in him growing, Dortmund are unlikely to be bullied into offloading Bellingham on the cheap.
As such, Football Insider claims Liverpool’s hopes of a deal are now fading.
Rated at around the £100m, Dortmund believe an auction for Bellingham could see his price reach as much as £130m. Chelsea and Real Madrid are among those keen.
Endrick misery to add to Jude Bellingham pain
However, it is Manchester United who now appear in the driving seat. And it seems the Glazers are preparing to pay whatever it takes to bring the 19-year-old to Old Trafford.
As well as missing out on Bellingham, the Reds are also fading in the race to sign Palmeiras starlet Endrick.
The 16-year-old playmaker is drawing attention across the globe, with Liverpool very much among his suitors. PSG, Manchester City and Barcelona are also reportedly keen.
However, as per Marca, it is Real Madrid who are set to win the race. Per the Spanish source, they are closing in on a £35m agreement to bring the player to the Bernabeu.
And while not Klopp’s No 1 priority, the teenager was viewed by the Reds as a potential replacement for Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The news further reduces Klopp’s chances of strengthening his midfield. It will also be the second year in a row he has seen a top target move to Real. That’s after Aurlien Tchouameni opted for the Spanish capital despite Klopp’s best efforts last season.
ARSENAL CLOSING ON YOURI TIELEMANS AGREEMENT
Arsenal are reportedly in pole position to sign Youri Tielemans on a free transfer next summer.
The Belgian star has returned to his brilliant best in recent weeks to help pull Leicester off the bottom of the table. But with his contract expiring next summer, the Foxes know they are on borrowed time with the player.
Indeed, Leicester are considering his sale in the January window in order to prevent him leaving on a free transfer. However, they know he is too important to their cause as they look to preserve their Premier League status.
As such, he is likely to leave the King Power as a free agent next summer. And, according to the Daily Mirror, it is a move to Arsenal that looks most likely.
Their manager Mikel Arteta is a confirmed admirer of Tielemans and looked into his signing last summer. Arsenal ultimately decided against his signing, instead pursuing a deal for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.
But with Luiz now off the table, attention has now turned back towards Tielemans.
Per the report, Arteta is now in pole position to bring Tielemans to Emirates Stadium. And he will be added into their midfield pool next season and will offer a top-class alternative to Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in the side.
Tielemans has been with Leicester since 2019 and has 54 caps for Belgium.
CHELSEA STAR KANTE SUBJECT OF BARCELONA OFFER
Barcelona have reportedly decided that it is N’Golo Kante they want to step into their midfield next season.
Xavi’s side are in the market for a new central midfielder with Sergio Busquests likely to depart. The veteran midfielder looks set to move to pastures new, with talk growing that he could be lured to MLS.
And with a space opening up in Barca’s midfield, the Blaugrana are exploring a number of possible options.
Indeed, they are reportedly looking at a possible deal for Wolves star Ruben Neves. However, he is likely to cost a sizeable fee, despite his deal expiring in 2024.
Instead, Barcelona want to explore the free-transfer market instead and are reportedly weighing up Chelsea duo Jorginho and Kante.
However, Jorginho’s preference appears to be on staying at Stamford Bridge.
But there is a growing optimism that Kante could be lured away for one final career challenge.
Per Spanish outlet Relevo, Barca are preparing an offer to lure Kante to Camp Nou on a pre-contract in January.
By contrast, another free signing last summer, Franck Kessie, is reportedly unhappy with his game-time at Barca and is reportedly pushing for a return to Serie A.
