Liverpool are favourites to sign Denis Zakaria and Arsenal have entered into talks with his agent, according to two reports.
The hunt for a Georginio Wijnaldum replacement goes on as the Reds decided against signing one in the summer and Zakaria – Borussia Monchengladbach’s midfield star – could be the man.
What do the reports say about Zakaria?
According to Fussball Transfers, Arsenal have opened talks with his agent ahead of a potential free transfer as his contract expires at the end of the season.
The report says the Gunners are leading the race and they are supposedly ahead of both Manchester clubs.
That said, Mikel Arteta’s chances of signing Zakaria are hugely reliant on them securing Champions League qualification for next season.
However, Gazzetta dello Sport claims that it’s Liverpool who are in pole position to land the Swiss international’s signature.
The Reds are pretty much certain to finish in the top four and Zakaria is understood to be keen to work with Jurgen Klopp.
Where would Zakaria fit in at Anfield?
It is difficult to decide where he would fit in because he can play as a no.6 and as a box to box no.8. But with Fabinho the club’s resident defensive midfielder, it’s very unlikely that the Brazilian would be usurped at the base of Liverpool’s midfield.
Signing him on a free is a big deal for Liverpool as they are well-known for being quite stingy in the transfer market, as FSG are quite tight with their purse strings.
That said, he is only 25 and he will reach his peak as a midfielder in the coming years. So bringing him to Anfield as he’s set to enter his best years would be a masterstroke from Liverpool.
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