Jurgen Klopp is eager to sign two Serie A stars as part of his Liverpool transformation this summer, Paris Saint-Germain are setting their sights on one of Manchester City’s best players, while Friday’s Euro Paper Talk claims an Arsenal ace is on AC Milan’s shortlist.
KLOPP GUNNING FOR LIVERPOOL DOUBLE DEAL
Liverpool will pursue two Serie A players worth a combined €110million (£97m) at Klopp’s request in the summer transfer window, according to a report.
The Liverpool squad could look completely different by the time next season starts. Klopp requires at least two new midfielders to revamp the position, with several of his existing options either injury-prone or past 30 years old.
The Reds also need a new centre-back to arrive at Anfield. When Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have both been out injured, other teams have focused on Joel Matip and Joe Gomez’s weaknesses and caused huge problems for Liverpool. Therefore, Liverpool could do with landing a third top-class centre-half to prevent this from happening again in the future.
In terms of outgoings, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Nat Phillips, Roberto Firmino, James Milner and Adrian are all either confirmed as leaving or close to departing.
Their exits should help to make space on the wage bill for two new players Klopp wants to capture from Italy. According to Inter Live, the German is a huge fan of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.
Klopp is expected to push hard for him to join Liverpool this summer. The report does not reveal how much he will cost, but it is likely Liverpool will have to get close to his valuation to agree a deal with Inter. transfermarkt put his price tag at €70m (£62m).
Barella is not the only player in Klopp’s sights as he plots a ‘revolution’ in the midfield area. He is also pursuing a deal for Algeria international Ismael Bennacer, who plays for Inter’s local rivals AC Milan.
Liverpool interested in former Arsenal player
Klopp supposedly has a soft spot for Bennacer and believes he can make a big impact in the Premier League. The 25-year-old was on Arsenal’s books between July 2015 and August 2017 but only made one senior appearance for the Gunners.
As with Barella, Bennacer is rated highly by his current club. This means Liverpool will not be able to get him on the cheap.
transfermarkt value Bennacer at €40m (£35m). Therefore, if Liverpool are intent on signing both players, they will have to part with a total of £97m.
It is unclear where Jude Bellingham fits into all this. The Borussia Dortmund ace is widely viewed as Liverpool’s main target to improve the midfield.
The Anfield club do not have endless money like Chelsea, Man City or PSG. Therefore, spending £97m on Barella and Bennacer would vastly reduce their ability to agree a £100m-plus package for Bellingham.
Perhaps the Liverpool hierarchy will try to reach an agreement with Dortmund for Bellingham as a priority. If they are successful, then one of Barella or Bennacer could be targeted as well.
But if Bellingham ends up going to Real Madrid or City, then Liverpool may end up landing both of the Serie A stars.
MAN CITY PLAYMAKER BECOMES PSG OBJECTIVE
PSG have begun planning a stunning raid on Man City for Bernardo Silva. PSG chief Luis Campos rates the attacking midfielder incredibly highly and is willing to spend big money on him. (L’Equipe)
Rumoured Liverpool, City and Chelsea target Rafael Leao has asked Milan for a significant pay rise amid contract talks with the Italian giants. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Aston Villa have not yet submitted an offer for Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez, although they are ‘very interested’ in him. (Super Deporte)
Real Betis captain Joaquin admits Manchester United have ‘sentenced’ their Europa League tie and that it will be ‘difficult’ to advance to the next stage. (Cadena Cope)
PSG are ready to replace manager Christophe Galtier with Thomas Tuchel, who was in charge at the Parc des Princes between July 2018 and December 2020. (various)
Nottingham Forest will try again to sign ex-Wolves defender Romain Saiss this summer after failing to snare him from Besiktas in January. And there is a good chance the move will go through this time around. (Fanatik)
AC MILAN IN FOR ARSENAL ATTACKER
Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, who is excelling on loan at Stade Reims, has become a top target for Milan. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Roma will demand €75m (£66m) to sell striker Tammy Abraham at the end of the season. He is being looked at by Man Utd, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Everton. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Marseille are unwilling to sign loanee Nuno Tavares from Arsenal permanently this summer. (La Provence)
Ben Jacobs recently told Footballboast that it is ‘very unlikely’ Tavares will play for Arsenal again. But Marseille have big reservations about the left-back’s defensive capabilities.
Leeds boss Javi Gracia has revealed he would be open to managing in Mexico in the future, despite only recently landing at Elland Road. (Publisport)
Wolves are being tipped to make a £20m bid for Bristol City teenager Alex Scott, who has been compared to a young Jack Grealish. (The Telegraph)
MAN UTD HANDED SECOND PLAYER REJECTION
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong says he wants to stay with the Spanish club for ‘many years’ after Man Utd’s interest in him resurfaced. (RAC1)
Joao Cancelo could end up joining Xavi’s team from City if Bayern Munich opt against making his loan switch permanent. (Sport)
Real are optimistic about signing Jude Bellingham, though they do have concerns about the size of his potential salary. (various)
Paulo Dybala says he is fully focused on Roma amid Man Utd and Newcastle trying to sign him on a cut-price deal. (Football Italia)
Tottenham want to bring Roma defender Roger Ibanez to the Premier League. Despite his release clause sitting at around £70m, he should not cost more than £44m. (Forza Roma)
