Arsenal are scaring Liverpool off trying to sign £34m Brazil international in January

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Arsenal’s interest in Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade is starting to scare Liverpool.

Andre looks set to be one of the hottest properties in the January transfer window. Having just won the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense and now joined up with the Brazil national team, his stock is high.

This has led to claims that some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League are chasing him. For a while, it seemed like Liverpool would be granted an unopposed run at the 22-year-old. But over recent weeks, it’s become apparent that this will not be the case.

Now, speaking to 90min’s Talking Transfers Podcast, journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that Arsenal’s emergence in the race is causing the Reds to back off Andre.

“Liverpool are still interested, but I think they may be getting scared away by the amount of teams that are in for him now,” Bailey explained. “Because Liverpool were in for him when there wasn’t much interest, he was a bit under the radar.

“But now Arsenal have joined the hunt, we know [Arsenal sporting director] Edu has watched him personally.”

Arsenal make Andre progress

If Liverpool really, truly want Andre and believe that he’s the answer to their holding midfield woes, then there’s no way they’re scared away here.

Once the Reds identify a target, they’ll do whatever it takes to sign them. As seen by the failed pursuits of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia during the summer, Liverpool won’t let the presence of another bidder stop them from trying to get their man.

Perhaps those two episodes have burned the fingers of Reds officials, who are wary of missing out yet again. But that feels unlikely.

Liverpool’s need for a defensive midfielder is obvious. Bringing one in in January could be the difference between a good season and a great season for the Reds.

As a result, we think that if Andre is the man they’ve earmarked, then they’ll go all in for him.

With the Brazilian reportedly containing a £34m release clause in his contract, it isn’t as though Liverpool would have to engage in a Caicedo or Lavia style bidding war, either.

They know exactly how much they’d need to pay to sign him, and have seemingly already convinced Andre himself. Consequently, we don’t see any reason Liverpool should be scared of Arsenal or anyone else.

Nevertheless, reports would suggest that for whatever reason, Andre is no longer a priority at Anfield. If he does end up at the Emirates though, it won’t be because Liverpool have been spooked.