Arsenal set to drop "winter bombshell" on Liverpool to sign elite target

Signing Fluminense midfielder Andre has long since been Liverpool's priority after failed attempts to recruit the Brazilian defensive midfielder in the summer transfer window.

The need for a new no.6 has been highlighted by Alexis Mac Allister's struggles in the role. It's understandable, of course, the Argentine is a playmaker, not a play-breaker.

Yet, the sympathy fans have for the former Brighton star doesn't overcome the fear that the lack of a specialist no.6 in Liverpool's squad will be their undoing at crucial moments this season.

The trip to the Etihad in the Premier League following the international break on 25 November will be the biggest test for the Reds this season.

Jurgen Klopp cannot add a new defensive midfielder to his squad until the winter transfer window and so will need to prepare his squad to face Pep Guardiola's side with the players he has.

If they can overcome the Premier League champions despite the lack of a specialist in that role, it will be a blessing.

However, Arsenal may scupper Liverpool's attempts to sign Andre with more and more reports surfacing on the Gunners' interest in

Arsenal pose genuine threat to Liverpool's long-term interest in Andre

Liverpool had multiple bids rejected by Fluminense in the summer but maintain their interest in signing Andre.

But recent reports suggest Arsenal are also swayed by the 22-year-old's talents. After the Gunners' sporting director Edu visited Fluminense, it has been suggested that the North London side is even prepared to sell two players to make sure they win the battle for Andre's services.

According to Football Insider, they're ready to sell Thomas Partey and Jorginho in order to make space in Mikel Arteta's squad and to free up the funds required.

A deal to sign the twice-capped Brazil international would reportedly cost around €40 million (£35m). It's a deal that is in the ideal range for FSG's transfer policy to buy young players as cheap as possible with high return potential.

After missing out on preferred targets in the no.6 role, Liverpool need to act decisively in the race for Andre.

And now, Spanish outlet Don Balon reports that Arsenal are preparing a "winter bombshell" to steal the midfielder from Liverpool.

After Chelsea signed Caicedo and Lavia, Liverpool need to act decisively for Andre 

Chelsea signed Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in the summer transfer window, leaving Liverpool with no time to prepare alternative plans to sign a defensive midfielder.

FSG were prepared to spend £110 million on Caicedo while they deemed Southampton's demands for Lavia excessive. The hope among fans is that Klopp will have a new defensive midfielder to put to use in the New Year.

Arsenal are showing significant interest in Andre but Liverpool need to act decisively to secure his talent. He may not have experience in a top European league but it's clear he's a special player.

The stats speak for themselves.

Stats suggest Andre could be the next elite ball-winner under Klopp at Liverpool

Andre would be a fantastic addition to the squad with his 93.9% pass accuracy average. Now, that's likely to dip in the Premier League but if he could translate that in English football, he would be an incredible buy.

He also ranks in the 99th percentile for touches per 90 by midfielders, according to Fbref, with an average of 88.6.

In a team as aggressive as Liverpool in everything from pressing to counter-attacks to set pieces, Andre's ball-winning ability will be the most vital skillset added to the new-look midfield on show at Anfield.

Alexis Mac Allister is a measured and cultured player that can unlock most defences and Dominik Szoboszlai is a tremendous box to box player that doesn't seem to have even come close to his full potential at 22.

But neither of them, for all their counter-pressing instincts, are true ball-winners. The need for a defensive midfielder to back them up and support them when they venture further forward is great,

Andre, on top of his possession stats, boasts impressive defensive performance as well, ranking in the 87th percentile for tackles won.

More impressively, in a league as blessed with talent as the Brasileiro, Andre tackled 66% of dribblers, placing him in the 99th percentile of midfielders in Brazil.

Liverpool could really do with that kind of ruthless instinct in the middle of the park after witnessing the decline and subsequent departures of Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. All of who were elite ball-winners for Klopp.

Simply put. Klopp needs Andre and if he can get him for around £35 million it would be a bargain with the potential to rival some of the other inspired transfers Liverpool have completed since hiring the German manager.

For further updates on Liverpool's transfer plans to sign Andre, you can periodically check Anfield Central's tag page for the Brazilian. Below are some recent articles as well.