LIVERPOOL TRANSFER NEWS: KLOPP WANTS £31M ARSENAL TARGET WITH ‘EVERYTHING’

Liverpool are now in contention with Arsenal to seal a transfer for Juventus star Manuel Locatelli. The Reds believe the Italian would strengthen Jurgen Klopp’s midfield with a summer replacement.

That’s according to CalcioMercatoWeb, which reports that Locatelli is now on Liverpool’s radar as Klopp plans a major midfield overhaul. Anfield residents have had a difficult season with their current engine room. So the Reds are now planning to upgrade their entire core. Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly very reluctant to see Locatelli leave Turin this summer. The 25-year-old is an important part of his squad at the Allianz Stadium. But he may have to sacrifice some key players if they don’t qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool are also at risk of not qualifying for the Champions League this season after their poor season in the Premier League. However, Klopp admires what Locatelli would offer Anfield and could push for his move. But the Bianconeri would demand 35 million euros to let him go.

Locatelli is currently only on loan at Juventus from Sassuolo, having agreed an initial two-year contract in August 2021. The Bianconeri have not paid a loan fee to the Neroverdi but will have to pay £21m per through a purchase commitment this year. The deal also includes add-ons worth up to £11m.

LIVERPOOL MUST COMPETE WITH ARSENAL TO SEAL MANUEL LOCATELLI TRANSFER FROM JUVENTUS

Liverpool must also compete with Arsenal to seal a move to Juventus for Locatelli this summer. CalcioMercatoWeb also recently said that the Gunners and Newcastle United have the 24 cap star on their radars. But Allegri is hoping to extend his €3m-a-year contract.

Locatelli has agreed a deal lasting until 2026 as part of his move away from Sassuolo in 2021. But Arsenal and Newcastle could overshadow the terms of his contract with Torino with end-of-season offers. Further indiscretions from CalcioMercatoWeb also add that Juventus is not against a sale. It is also claimed that the Allianz Stadium bosses are considering selling Locatelli to Arsenal in partial exchange for Granit Xhaka. Juventus believe that the Swiss is currently playing a key role in Mikel Arteta’s midfield. But they could listen to an offer from the Gunners if he is involved.

Locatelli has interested Arsenal, Newcastle and now Liverpool in his move after making 29 appearances for Juventus so far this season. He has also started 23 of his games but is yet to score or assist. But Italy coach Roberto Mancini has long admired his talent.

“We called him because he’s a great player,” Mancini said of quotes on the FIGC website. “He is young and has a lot of room for improvement. He has everything.”