Even though the transfer window isn’t open, that’s not stopping Liverpool being linked with potential new additions this summer.
The Reds have added Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz to their ranks over the last 12 months, and there is expectation that more deals could follow at the end of the season. One of the latest rumors concerns a player that Liverpool fans should be familiar with.
Reports from 90min are claiming that Liverpool are considering a move for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah. Chelsea are also being credited with an interest in the striker, who is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, with West Ham United, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Everton all also being linked.
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Nketiah’s future has been the subject of plenty of debate at the Emirates, with no decision being made. His contract with him expires in a few weeks, and there is growing expectation that he will depart as a free agent when the season concludes.
The report adds that Liverpool are aware of Nketiah’s situation with the Gunners and are monitoring it. It has been claimed that the Reds see Nketiah as a more than capable squad option, if not a regular starter.
When looking at this rumour, it’s important to look at it from the perspective of everyone involved. In this case, from Liverpool and Nketiah himself.
From Liverpool’s point of view, you have to say that the idea of signing Nketiah on a free transfer makes sense from the outset. Will he be a regular start? Probably not, but that would not be the reason to sign him.
It’s worth remembering that Roberto Firmino is nearing 30 and is becoming less of a goal threat than he once was. While he is still a valuable member of the squad, he hasn’t hit the heights in terms of goalscoring of his previous seasons, not to mention his fitness record from him hasn’t been great this term.
Then there’s Divock Origi, who looks increasingly likely to leave as a free agent this summer. That would leave a gap in Liverpool’s attack that Jurgen Klopp may feel he needs to fill.
Of course, the squad will be boosted by the arrival of Fabio Carvalho from Fulham. The teenager will add creativity to Liverpool’s ranks, but he is not a striker like Nketiah.
From Nketiah’s point of view, this rumor does not seem to make the most sense. The main reason he’s likely to leave Arsenal is in search of more regular first-team football.
Were he to move to Anfield, would he play more than he is currently doing at Arsenal? Probably not, unless Klopp managed to get more out of the striker than Mikel Arteta is currently doing for the Gunners.
While Liverpool considering a move for Nketiah may make sense from the club’s point of view, it might not do from the player’s perspective. Given how important the player’s wishes are in modern football, this would likely hold the Reds back from any deal, if the interest turns out to be genuine.
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism