Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on N'Golo Kante and Theo Walcott Rumours
Liverpool will reportedly go head-to-head with a selection of Premier League rivals in pursuit of Leicester City midfielder N’Golo Kante.
That’s according to Dave Armitage of the Daily Star, who has stated that manager Jurgen Klopp “would love to snatch the French enforcer,” who is also said to be a target for Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. Kante is said to have a £22 million release clause in his Foxes contract.
The champions are reported to be “resigned” to the fact the France international will depart the club on the back of a sensational campaign.
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According to Armitage, new Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho thinks Kante can be as effective as former France and Real Madrid man Claude Makelele.
On the back of a brilliant season with the Foxes, Kante starred in the opening game of the UEFA 2016 European Championship, as France beat Romania 2-1 on Friday. BBC Sport's Match of the Day broke down his latest exceptional display:
The fee aforementioned seems like a snip when it comes to this hugely influential player. Kante is a behemoth in the middle of the park, able to shut down opposing attacks with his energy and sharp reading of the game. But he’s shown with both Leicester and France that he can be effective with the ball at his feet too.
Every manager in English football would love to land the player, although you could see Kante thriving in the high-pressing setup Klopp looks to implement. These numbers from WhoScored.com show how effective he can be without the ball:
The chance to work under the German, feature regularly at Anfield and be part of a team that’s tailored to the way he plays could appeal to Kante. However, all the aforementioned clubs said to be chasing the midfielder also have a lot to offer.
After his rapid rise in 2015-16, Kante will know just how important it is to make the right decision in respect of his future. Having worked so hard to push Leicester into the UEFA Champions League next season, he’ll surely want to be playing at the highest level too. At the moment, that’s not something the Reds can offer.
Reds Approach Theo Walcott
According to Tony Hughes of Football Insider, Liverpool representatives have “sounded out” whether or not Arsenal’s Theo Walcott has any interest in moving to Merseyside this summer.
The Reds are reportedly pondering a £25 million bid for the 27-year-old and are willing to offer £120,000-a-week in an attempt to lure him to Anfield.
Klopp reportedly views Walcott as a potential option in a wide forward position, and the Gunners are said to be willing to sell should they receive the aforementioned sum.
The England international has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, struggling to get regular chances in the first team under manager Arsene Wenger.
As his omission from the national squad illustrates, as well as these numbers from Football 365’s Daniel Storey, his form has suffered badly as a result:
Walcott has an affinity with Arsenal after 10 years at the club, but even he must recognise the need for a fresh start. The opportunity to join a club of Liverpool’s stature is surely a chance the forward would jump at too.
For Reds supporters it’s not a signing that would get pulses races. While Walcott can be devastating on his day, he’s been extremely inconsistent when taking to the field for Arsenal in recent campaigns.
A regular run of games in a set position would obviously be beneficial, but for the amounts mentioned, Liverpool could find better value.
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