Reports: Arsenal bid €80m for star midfielder whom Klopp wants at Liverpool
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have made a bid for West Ham star, Declan Rice, who has been linked to a lot of clubs including Liverpool.
Klopp was said to be interested in bringing the ‘star’ midfielder to Anfield as a part of his midfield rebuild.
Declan Rice has earned a lot of plaudits from managers and ex-players alike. He was called ‘exceptional‘ by Pep when Man City faced off West Ham in their PL clash. Also, he was described to be ‘a diamond and a fabulous player’ by former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves
As per reports from Sky Germany, the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd, and Bayern are interested in signing the 24-year-old. However, it seems as if the Gunners are leading the race to sign the Englishman.
The report claimed that the Gunners have already made an offer of €80 million for the West Ham player. He has been linked to Arsenal for a long time and he seems to fit Arteta’s squad quite well. Moreover, with Xhaka set to leave the club, Rice would be a great replacement.
Should Liverpool still go for Rice after Arsenal’s bid?
It is no secret that Liverpool needs to go for a midfielder like Declan Rice. He has been consistent with the Hammers and has captained the side as well. The Englishman would be a great fit under the German.
However, with Mac Allister almost a done deal, Klopp needs a few more ‘cheaper’ options in the market. With the rumoured fee being around €70m, Klopp would be left with very little if he puts his money on Rice. Moreover, he wouldn’t be able to get more any other players as well. Also, with the Champions League qualification seemingly lost, the funding wouldn’t be a whole lot.
Moreover, with the Gunners ready to meet the asking price of €80m, the Reds have to do better if they want the 24-year-old.
Hence, it would be a viable option for Klopp to look at a much cheaper option. One of them is Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, whom Liverpool have been scouting this season.
He has had a great campaign at Craven Cottage. He has made more tackles and won more duels than any other player in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season. He is said to cost around €50m.
Another option is Manuel Ugarte who has also won the most duels and won most tackles in his division. He is reportedly eager to move to Anfield and is said to have a release clause of £52m.
