Liverpool and Arsenal are both reportedly interested in acquiring the services of the same defender, potentially leading to a partnership with either Virgil van Dijk or William Saliba.
According to a recent report, both Premier League clubs are set to compete for the signature of highly-rated Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho.
The 22-year-old Ecuador international has caught the eye of top clubs across Europe with his performances in the Bundesliga, where Frankfurt currently sit in sixth place. Pacho has featured in 24 out of 25 league games during the 2023/24 campaign.
Liverpool, who have previously been linked with other Bundesliga defenders like Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen, now seem to have turned their attention to Pacho. Sky Sports Germany reports that both Arsenal and Liverpool are closely monitoring Pacho ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The footballer only transferred to Germany from Belgian club Royal Antwerp last summer, with Frankfurt paying approximately $9.8m (£7.7m/€9m) for his services.
He is currently under contract until 2028, presenting a potential obstacle for Liverpool and Arsenal, who are interested in signing him, especially considering the club’s valuation of $65.2m (£51m/€59.6m) as the transfer window approaches.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly willing to meet the substantial price tag to acquire him, seeing him as an ideal addition to strengthen their squads and complement existing players like Saliba and Van Dijk.
Liverpool have relied on Gomez, Konaté, and Quansah to partner with Van Dijk in defence this season, but injuries and a congested fixture list have highlighted the need for further reinforcements.
Additionally, with Van Dijk approaching 33, Liverpool are eyeing potential successors, with Pacho being considered as a viable option.
The impending departure of Joël Matip and the need for defensive reinforcements, particularly on the left side of defence, make Pacho an attractive prospect for Liverpool.
However, Arsenal’s solid defensive record and the presence of Van Dijk and Saliba make them formidable competitors in the race for his signature.
While Arsenal currently boast the best defence in the league, Liverpool are only marginally behind in terms of goals conceded.
The battle for Pacho’s signature adds an intriguing dynamic to the ongoing competition between the two clubs for supremacy.
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