Rumour Reel: Liverpool must spend big if vying for Vidal
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | May 28, 2016
Liverpool have been quoted £45m by Barcelona if they wish to sign Spain and former Sevilla right back Aleix Vidal from the Catalan giants, according to reports from the foreign press quoted in today’s tabloids.
Converted winger Vidal, 26, has had a difficult first season at the Nou Camp, because a transfer embargo imposed on Barca meant he could not be registered to play until January.
Right back at you, Jurgen
Barcelona brought Vidal in as a long-term replacement for Dani Alves, who is understood to be mulling over the offer of a three-year contract from Serie A champions Juventus.
Many of Brazil’s all-time great defenders, including Cafu, have played out in Italy and 33-year-old Alves would be an upgrade on current Juve option Stephan Lichtsteiner.
Jurgen Klopp will thus have to spend big if he is to land Vidal for the Anfield outfit, with other rumours linking Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin with a return to Barca.
Despite being voted in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season, Bellerin’s considerable claims for a Euro 2016 squad spot with Spain have been ignored by national boss Vicente del Bosque.
It is thought Barcelona could turn to 21-year-old Bellerin, who spent time in their academy, as an alternative if both Alves and Vidal move on this summer, so the Gunners must be braced for that interest.
Lewandowski out, Ozil in to Munich?
Poland poacher Robert Lewandowski, meanwhile, has held talks with Real Madrid over a switch to the Bernabeu, according to the Bayern Munich marksman’s agent.
Los Blancos have been linked with Lewandowski for some time, and he won a Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double under outgoing gaffer Pep Guardiola at the Allianz Arena this term, scoring 42 goals.
Bayern, who have already lined up the transfers of Borussia Dortmund defender and captain Mats Hummels and Portugal midfield prodigy Renato Sanches, could target Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil if Lewandowski leaves.
This hints at a tactical change under incoming manager Carlo Ancelotti that would see Thomas Muller lead the attack, with compatriot Ozil taking the lead supporting role.
Contract talks with the Gunners have once again been shelved, as Ozil is an integral part of the Germany set-up going to Euro 2016 in France.
Recording an impressive 20 assists in all competitions for Arsene Wenger’s men, Ozil has looked more like living up to his club record pricetag, with Arsenal reportedly paying more than £42m.
Related
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