Liverpool is preparing itself to go on a bidding war with another Premier League rival Chelsea for RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku. Reports suggest they are secretly watching the French forward, as the interest is growing higher from among the major clubs of Europe. The Reds’ scouts were monitoring him during Tuesday’s Leipzig 2-0 win over Celtic.
But Klopp’s side has a fear of missing out on the target like previously had in many transfers.
Another new big spender Newcastle United was also watching the game, as their head of recruitment, Steve Nickson was present in the game. According to rumours, the Magpies are keen on Celtic’s 21-year-old midfielder Matt O’Riley, who is also a subject of interest at Crystal Palace.
It is now clear that Christopher Nkunku is high on Chelsea’s wishlist, as they are keen to add more firepower in the forward line. But Liverpool will not let easily Chelsea get their target.
Liverpool’s Interest
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Rumours suggest Nkunku may join the Blues at the end of this season. But Liverpool is lurking around in case the deal falls through.
According to the reports, Chelsea is looking for a double swoop from the German side. Josko Gvardiol is another target who was also on the wishlist of their former manager Thomas Tuchel. They made a surprise bid to the defender. But Leipzig decided against selling him and handed him a new contract.
However, London Blues still hope to convince Leipzig to do business with them. According to Bild, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has held meetings several times with Leipzig’s CEO Mintzlaff. The German CEO was also invited twice to London for a meeting over a drink.
Chelsea is keen to build a relationship with the German club. As Boehly is a big admirer of Leipzig’s football project. The American owner is also to replicate that model with his new club as well.
On the other side, Liverpool wants to replace Firmino and Nkunku is surely an upgrade in that position. The former PSG man started his career as an attacking midfielder. But at Leipzig, he was shifted to a centre-forward role.
He did score 35 goals and provided 20 assists in all competitions for Leipzig last season. Firmino’s role is very similar to Nkunku at Liverpool. He primarily plays as a false 9, but to support Salah he often shifts to midfield.
Liverpool will have to make a bid above £53million. As transfer rumours suggest that the 24-year-old has already undergone an early medical to arrive at Stamford Bridge next season.
On the other side, the Croatian defender Gvardiol is valued at around £80million, and Spurs and Manchester City are also in the race to bring him to the Premier League.
