A round-up of the latest Liverpool news as Arsenal star Ben White admits how Diogo Jota surprised him and a Premier League team fears the Reds are set to submit a bid.
Virgil van Dijk is ‘clear’ on his future at Liverpool amid contract uncertainty
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is repeatedly making it ‘clear’ behind the scenes at the Reds that he really wants to stay at Anfield beyond his current contract. That is according to David Lynch, who reports that the Dutchman has repeatedly said that his plan is to pen new terms.
Van Dijk is in the final year of his existing deal and talks with Liverpool about a new contract are still to occur. But the defender’s intention is to remain on Merseyside next season and it is also likely that he will compromise on the length of any new deal to ensure he can stay on.
The Anfield natives last gave Van Dijk new terms in August 2021 which kept the centre-back locked down for four years. But he is now 33 years old, so Liverpool are questioning the sort of commitment they are prepared to offer to have Van Dijk sign another contract extension.
Read more about what Lynch has said about Van Dijk’s stance on a new contract, here.
Crystal Palace fear Liverpool are about to make a bid for Eberechi Eze’s transfer
Crystal Palace are bracing themselves for Liverpool to submit an offer for Eberechi Eze in the final week of the transfer market. That is according to The Independent’s Reading the Game newsletter, which says the Reds and Manchester City are keeping close tabs on his situation.
Despite the Eagles selling Michael Olise to Bayern Munich in July, it is still possible that Eze’s future at Selhurst Park is coming to an end. Arsenal are also fans of the 26-year-old but have so far baulked at Crystal Palace’s asking price. Yet fears remain that Liverpool will table a bid.
Eze has the top three Premier League clubs in Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool eying his transfer after weaving his magic over a stuttered season for Crystal Palace last term. The midfielder started 24 of his 27 Premier League games but scored 11 and assisted four goals.
He also helped England reach the Euro 2024 final after holding a bit-part spot in boss Gareth Southgate’s side. But Eze’s creativity did not directly lead to any goals in Germany and is yet to create or score for Crystal Palace this season. The Eagles have lost 2-1 and 2-0 to date.
Read more about Liverpool’s interest in Eze’s late transfer from Crystal Palace, here.
Ben White names Diogo Jota as his third-toughest Premier League opponent
Arsenal right-back Ben White believes Diogo Jota is the third-toughest player he has met in the Premier League, having been surprised by the Liverpool attacker. The pair have met nine times to date, with the first coming whilst White played for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2020.
Jota has a brilliant record against White when they have shared the pitch in all competitions, as well. The 27-year-old holds a record of four wins – all coming against Arsenal – plus three draws. White has further seen Jota score five goals and lay on two assists over the meetings.
Only Manchester United star Marcus Rashford and Jeremy Doku of Man City have left White reeling more than Jota. He especially rates the Liverpool forward highly as Jota surprised the Arsenal ace with his speed and strength, with White believing the Portuguese is underrated.
“Jota, really good,” White has told Sky Sports. “[How underrated is he?] Very. When you play against him, you don’t realise how quick he is [and] strong. he’s obviously technically really, really good.”
Read more about what Arsenal star White has said about Liverpool forward Jota, here.
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