IF THERE’S ANY JUSTICE
Did you watch Liverpool rip Arsenal’s admittedly p*ss-weak defence to absolute shreds on Sunday? Were you left with the overwhelming belief that they needed another rapid, skillful winger to add to their forward line?
If so, congratulations, for you are Jurgen Klopp. The German saw Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah tear the Gunners apart, before Daniel Sturridge added a final goal late on. With Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Divock Origi in reserve, one could suggest that the Reds hardly need another forward – especially not for a club-record fee.
But then the Daily Telegraph are reporting that Liverpool want to sign Thomas Lemar in the closing days of this summer’s transfer window. As if thrashing Arsenal was not enough. Arsene Wenger stated that a move for the Monaco winger was “dead” last week, but the Reds wish to try their own luck.
Sources in France suggest Liverpool will bid up to £55million for the French international, who is also wanted by Manchester United.
The one stumbling block could be Monaco themselves. Having sold Tiemoue Bakayoko, Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva already this summer, they are reluctant to part ways with Lemar. Which is fair enough.
Perhaps the only Liverpool player with no cause for celebration on Monday morning is Simon Mignolet. The goalkeeper was dropped completely from the club’s matchday squad on Sunday, with Klopp stating that he was simply “resting” him.
Not so, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. The Italian journalist reports that Napoli are sourcing a replacement for Pepe Reina, who is wanted by Paris Saint-Germain.
On that list is Geronimo Rulli of Real Sociedad, but also Mignolet. Napoli are reported to have ‘contacted’ the keeper’s ‘entourage’, but Liverpool have no intentions of selling him, even if he didn’t start against Arsenal.
MUST-HAVE
Sticking with the north London club, and the future of Shkodran Mustafi. The German watched on as an unused substitute as his teammates left Gary Neville incensed at Anfield. It might have been his last action as a Gunners player.
ESPN are not the only ones reporting that Mustafi is on the verge of joining Inter Milan. The Serie A side are keen to take the centre-half on loan, while Arsenal want to recoup the £35m they spent to sign him just 12 months ago.
Wenger discussed Mustafi’s future last week, and hardly seemed confident about keeping him. They must surely have a replacement lined up.
WIMMERS AND LOSERS
Maybe Kevin Wimmer could do the job? Arsenal would have a fight on their hands to sign him however, as it seems that Stoke are almost certain to win the race for the centre-half.
Wimmer has been linked with a move away from Tottenham for months, with the 24-year-old eager for more first-team opportunities. They won’t be arriving at Wembley any time soon, and so he is looking elsewhere.
West Brom wanted him at one stage, although that move apparently collapsed as he had no wish to play at left-back. And so it seems that Stoke will be the victors, and will sign him for £15m.
AND THE REST
Chelsea are optimistic a deal can be struck for £30m-rated Leicester Citymidfielder Danny Drinkwater, 27, before Thursday’s transfer deadline… Chelsea forward Loic Remy, 30, is wanted by Spanish side Las Palmas and Italian outfit Cagliari… Chelsea manager Antonio Conte remains totally committed to the Premier League champions even if they fail to sign any more players before the close of the transfer window… Chelsea will revive their interest in Swansea striker Fernando Llorente, 32, with a bid as they look to make at least three signings before the window closes… Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, 29, is a target for Napoli who have contacted the Reds about a potential switch… West Brom have made a £10m move for Fenerbahce’s28-year-old Brazil midfielder Josef de Souza, known as Souza, as well as asking about Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings, 24… Newcastle are mulling over a list of left-backs with Independiente’s 24-year-old Argentine Nicolas Tagliafico and Ecuador full-back Cristian Ramirez, 23, of Russian club FC Krasnodar potential targets… Swansea City will offer Manchester City £13m as they attempt to re-sign striker Wilfried Bony, who they sold to City in January 2015 in a deal worth up to £28m.
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