Liverpool ‘prepare’ £66m ‘offer’ to sign Slot’s ‘priority’ target in ‘biggest deal’ of winter window

Lewis Oldham
Liverpool transfer Barella
Inter Milan duo Lautaro Martínez and Nicolo Barella.

According to reports, Liverpool are ‘preparing’ a move to sign Arne Slot’s ‘priority’ target during the upcoming winter transfer window.

The summer transfer window was frustrating for the Reds as they failed to sign Real Sociedad and Spain star Martin Zubimendi.

Ahead of Slot‘s first season as head coach, Liverpool made it their priority to sign a new defensive midfielder and made Zubimendi their top target.

Zubimendi has a £51m release clause in his contract and he was initially expected to say yes to the move, but he ultimately opted to stick with his boyhood club.

Liverpool decided against signing an alternative target. Instead, they landed Italy international Federico Chiesa after striking a cut-price deal with Juventus. They have also agreed to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will make his move to Anfield official next year.

Without Zubimendi, Ryan Gravenberch has been used as a No.6 and the Netherlands international has been superb in this new role. His stellar performances warrant a spot in our Premier League team of the season so far.

READ: Five Premier League players happy international break is over includes Liverpool duo

Despite this, Liverpool are expected to make a move to sign a new midfielder in January or next year.

Instead of Zubimendi, a report in Spain claims they ‘want to sign’ Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella.

The 27-year-old is regarded as one of the best midfielders in Serie A and has made just short of 250 appearances for the Italian giants across all competitions.

Unlike Zubimendi, Barella is a versatile midfielder and is perhaps at his best when operated in an attacking role.

Despite this, Barella has emerged as a ‘priority’ target for Liverpool and they are ‘preparing’ a ‘bomb offer’ worth around 80 million euros (£66m).

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The report adds.

‘The 27-year-old midfielder has sparked the interest of Slot, who sees the Italian as the ideal profile to reinforce Liverpool ‘s midfield.

‘The sporting management of the Reds would be willing to make a great financial effort, with an offer close to 80 million euros, to secure the services of the talented Italian player.

‘Barella stands out for his versatility, technical quality and ability to adapt to different roles in the midfield, characteristics that fit perfectly with the style of play that Slot wants to implement at Liverpool.

‘The signing of Barella could become one of the biggest deals of the next transfer window, and would significantly strengthen a team that is looking to return to the top in both the Premier League and European competitions. The decision to sign the Italian demonstrates the club’s ambition in its new phase.’