Liverpool line-up Vidal as hopeful Gerrard replacement this summer
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Liverpool’s long-serving skipper Steven Gerrard will soon be departing for the MLS, where he will join up with former Reds teammate Robbie Keane at LA Galaxy, and Brendan Rodgers has optimistically outlined Juventus’ midfield maestro Arturo Vidal as a high-profile replacement.
Reports in Italy claim the Chile international midfielder is now being targeted by the Anfield outfit, as they prepare for life after Gerrard, with the former England captain set to leave a gaping hole in the Merseysiders’ central areas.
The hopeful Reds will reportedly have plenty of competition for the Chilean enforcer’s summer signature, if he opts to depart the Serie A champions in the coming months, with both Manchester giants, United and City, also seeking his services.
Reds boss Rodgers will be keen to bolster his midfield options for next season, as they aim to mount a serious domestic silverware challenge after the summer (14/1 with Coral for title triumph), having followed up last campaign’s second-placed heroics by stumbling outside of the Premier League top four this year.
Although, Vidal may be reluctant to make a switch to the red half of Merseyside, with no Champions League football on offer for next term and, having reached the European Cup final with the Turin titans (11/5 to win), the 27-year-old might see Anfield as a huge step down from Italian champions Juventus.
Vidal has been a key aspect of Massimiliano Allegri’s treble-hunting Old Lady, as they aim to topple Barcelona in a Champions League final clash in Berlin and overcome Lazio in the Coppa Italia showdown, having already wrapped up their Serie A crown.
The talented Chilean has struck eight times this current campaign in 44 outings, including a recent domestic winner against Sampdoria, and his menacing midfield abilities going forward and in a more defensive position would massively improve Liverpool’s central area.
An absence of Europe’s elite club competition may play a factor in Vidal’s decision to remain at or depart Italy, but Liverpool will attempt to lure the desirable midfield menace to Anfield this summer, when Vidal will either be a European Cup winner or a beaten finalist at the hands of Barcelona.
Betting tip: Juventus to win the Champions League @ 11/5
