Liverpool to continue with £74m Thomas Lemar push despite £40m signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal
The Reds are also maintaining an interest in Southampton's Virgil van Dijk
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool are persisting with their £74m pursuit of Monaco’s Thomas Lemar, having already signed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal for around £40m, in what is set to be their biggest ever transfer window.
Although the Anfield club had initially been weighing up which of the two to go for as they also maintain an interest in Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk, it was decided over the course of Wednesday afternoon to continue trying to sign Lemar.
Manager Jurgen Klopp has been keen to greatly deepen the squad after last season’s title challenge faded amid absences after Christmas, with this season also bringing the added complication of a Champions League campaign, so has been keen to bring in both.
Monaco have already brought in a potential alternative to Lemar in Keita Balde from Lazio, and Liverpool now feel they can get a deal done for the 21-year-old winger for cash plus Divock Origi, with the total value coming to around £74m.
There had been reports of tentative interest from Barcelona in Lemar, but that has been seen as no more than posturing because of the Catalan club’s own ongoing pursuit of Philippe Coutinho. Liverpool however remain steadfast that Coutinho will not be allowed leave the club this summer.
The Anfield club could yet face competition from Arsenal for Lemar, although that entirely depends on whether Arsene Wenger finally agrees to sell Alexis Sanchez to Manchester City and thereby needs a replacement.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments