Liverpool move under serious threat as Arsenal swoop in for midfielder Mikel Arteta ‘appreciates’
Liverpool might struggle to capture a Serie A midfielder after Arsenal reportedly got in the mix for him, with Mikel Arteta a big fan.
Liverpool desperately need to add to their midfield ranks in the summer. Manager Jurgen Klopp has had to deal with several injuries in the position this season, while the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago and James Milner are over the age of 30.
This need for a midfield revamp means Liverpool are expected to bid for several players in the next transfer window.
But Arsenal are also looking to improve their midfield. Arteta usually selects a midfield trio of Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey. Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny are also in his squad.
The Gunners know that extra quality needs to be added to the position if they are to continue challenging for Premier League titles and eventually battle Europe’s elite in the Champions League. Plus, Arteta also has a few older options in the midfield, so he could do with future-proofing the area.
One player Liverpool are eyeing up is AC Milan’s Ismael Bennacer. On March 10, Italian outlet Inter Live suggested Liverpool could move for Bennacer alongside Inter Milan playmaker Nicolo Barella.
But Liverpool will not find it easy to snare Bennacer, as Arsenal have been tipped to land him. Calciomercatoweb claim Arsenal have identified the 25-year-old as a potentially great summer addition.
Arteta ‘appreciates’ his quality and believes he would be able to challenge Partey and Xhaka for a starting spot alongside captain Odegaard.
Bennacer could join Arsenal in exchange deal
Arsenal are ready to submit an offer for Bennacer. However, it will not just involve money.
The Gunners are planning to offer striker Folarin Balogun as part of a player-plus-cash deal for Bennacer.
This is because Milan have struck up an interest in Balogun amid his fantastic form on loan at Stade Reims. The England U21 international has bagged 17 goals in 28 appearances this term.
Arsenal are planning to capitalise on Milan’s interest in Balogun by offering him and some money for Bennacer. However, the report does not reveal how much will be offered to Milan in addition to the striker.
Arsenal may have to spend a big amount to get Milan to sign off on Bennacer’s exit. He is a regular in the first team, having played 31 times across all competitions so far.
Another factor Arsenal must consider is Bennacer’s contract at the San Siro. It runs until June 2027, which means Milan are under no pressure to sell this year.
It will be interesting to see how the chase for the Algerian’s signature plays out. Liverpool need a midfielder more than Arsenal, so Klopp could ask his club to outbid their Premier League rivals.
Meanwhile, a report claims Arsenal have reignited their interest in a top Premier League performer.
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