Liverpool Transfer News: Marcelo Brozovic Battle with Arsenal, Latest Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly ready to battle with Arsenal for the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic. 

That’s according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t the Daily Telegraph), who have stated that following the departure of former manager Roberto Mancini there are a few unhappy members of the squad. The Reds are said to be ready to capitalise on that and are leading the way in pursuit of the player.

According to the report, Brozovic would cost around £25.6 million to lure away from the San Siro. Here’s a glimpse at why the Nerazzurri value him so highly:

While Inter were not exciting to watch last season, the 23-year-old was often the creative spark behind their most aesthetic attacking play.

The Croatia international is a technical footballer who can spot a pass, drift past opponents and link up well with team-mates in tight spaces. Additionally, he’s versatile, shining in wide positions and in the middle of the park last term, plus he's strong on the ball, something that’d come in useful in the Premier League.

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But he’s not a player the Reds need at the moment. As noted by Bleacher Report’s Jack Lusby, with plenty of options in the centre, Liverpool are looking good in this area of the field in pre-season:

Indeed, in Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum, the Reds have added to their attacking-midfield options this summer. Manager Jurgen Klopp also already has Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana and James Milner to call upon in the first team.

So while Brozovic would potentially be a sound acquisition and someone who would be a success in English football, he’d further bloat a section of Liverpool’s squad that is already bursting at the seams.

Liverpool Linked with Anwar El Ghazi

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According to reports in Italy (h/t Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are ready to sell Lazar Markovic to make room for Ajax prospect Anwar El Ghazi.

It’s stated the Dutch side want around £15 million for the 21-year-old, who has made impressive progress since bursting into the first team in Amsterdam. The piece added the sale of Markovic to Lazio could fund the deal, with the former Benfica man on the fringes at Anfield.

El Ghazi is the kind of winger who would excite those who frequent Anfield next term. Here’s a look at some of his best moments in an Ajax shirt:

A lack of penetration from wide positions was a big flaw in last season’s Liverpool team, with Jordon Ibe, who has since left the club for Bournemouth, the only natural winger. Klopp has addressed that issue with the signing of Sadio Mane, although he’ll want more than one player to provide width.

El Ghazi has the potential to do so in the long term and is a player whose development came on a lot during his time under Frank de Boer.

However, he’d be far from guaranteed a starting spot at Anfield should he move, and the Reds could invest the £15 million in other areas of the squad—especially at left-back—that need more urgent replenishment.