Liverpool are in the market for a defensive midfielder and Richard Hughes and his recruitment team are assessing several options across Europe in their pursuit of an elite number 6.
Martin Zubimendi was the top target for the Merseyside giants last summer but the Spaniard decided against leaving Real Sociedad and the Reds opted to refrain from chasing other alternatives.
The Spain midfielder is still on Liverpool’s radar but he has yet to say anything to suggest that he has changed his mind about leaving the Anoeta.
Zubimendi has also emerged on the radar of Arsenal who are interested in getting their hands on the midfielder in the next summer transfer window.
Liverpool do not have a clear run at the Spaniard and it has led to the club looking at other midfield targets who could fill in that number 6 role in Arne Slot’s team.
Atalanta’s defensive midfielder Ederson is one of the players the Reds are believed to be tracking with a view to potentially taking him to Anfield.
However, signing the Brazilian would not be straightforward as Atalanta have so far resisted selling him and a few more big names are now considering getting their hands on him.
Manchester City to complicate the Merseyside plans
Rodri’s injury has led to a loss of form at the Etihad and Pep Guardiola is determined to sign a defensive midfielder in the winter window.
Zubimendi has been linked with a move to the Etihad and according to Calciomercato.com, Ederson has also emerged as a top target for the reigning Premier League champions.
The Brazilian’s combative performances in the middle of the park for Atalanta have piqued Guardiola’s interest and Manchester City are exploring signing him in January.
Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
However, a move for Ederson in the winter window would be tricky as Atalanta have no plans to sell a player of his importance in the middle of the season.
The Italian club would be much more open to selling Ederson in the summer when they could at least plan his departure in a more methodical manner.
It would take a monumental offer to force Atalanta into selling the Brazilian in January and so far, it seems unlikely that Manchester City would agree to throw silly money for him.
