Liverpool are preparing for a bidding war with fellow Premier League rivals Chelsea for RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku. Reports suggest they are secretly eyeing the French striker as interest is mounting from Europe’s top clubs. Reds scouts were monitoring him during Tuesday’s 2-0 Leipzig win over Celtic.
But Klopp’s team are afraid of missing the target as they have done before in many transfers.
Another new big spender Newcastle United were also watching the game, as their recruiting boss Steve Nickson was in attendance at the game. According to rumours, the Magpies are interested in Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, 21, who is also a subject of interest at Crystal Palace.
It is now clear that Christopher Nkunku is high on Chelsea’s wish list as they are keen to add more firepower down the forward line. But Liverpool will not let Chelsea achieve their goal easily.
Liverpool interest
Rumors suggest that Nkunku could join the Blues at the end of this season. But Liverpool is on the lookout in case the deal falls through.
Chelsea are reportedly looking for a one-two punch from the German side. Josko Gvardiol is another target who was also on her former coach Thomas Tuchel’s wish list. They made a surprise offer to the defender. But Leipzig decided not to sell him and gave him a new contract.
However, London Blues is still hoping to convince Leipzig to do business with them. According to Bild, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has met Leipzig CEO Mintzlaff several times. The German CEO was also twice invited to London for a meeting over a drink.
Chelsea is interested in building a relationship with the German club. As Boehly is a great admirer of the Leipzig football project. The American owner will also replicate that model with his new club.
On the other hand, Liverpool want to replace Firmino and Nkunku is surely an upgrade at that position. The former PSG player began his career as an attacking midfielder. But at Leipzig, he was switched to a center forward role.
He scored 35 goals and provided 20 assists in all competitions for Leipzig last season. Firmino’s role is very similar to Nkunku’s at Liverpool. He mainly plays as a false 9, but to support Salah, he often moves to midfield.
Liverpool will have to make an offer above £53m. As transfer rumors suggest, the 24-year-old has already undergone an early medical to arrive at Stamford Bridge next season.
On the other hand, Croatian defender Gvardiol is valued at around £80m, with Spurs and Manchester City also in the running to bring him to the Premier League.
