Liverpool are looking the favourites to sign Juventus midfielder and long-time Manchester United transfer target Arturo Vidal in this summer’s transfer window.
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Liverpool FC blog
Latest reports suggest the Reds are in talks with the Italian giants over bringing in the superb Chilean international, who has played a key role in guiding the club to a fourth consecutive title win in Serie A, as well as to the final of the Champions League.
Liverpool are in need of a quality new addition in midfield as Steven Gerrard prepares to play his final game for the club this weekend ahead of a summer move to LA Galaxy.
Vidal certainly looks the calibre of player who could help fill that void left in midfield by Gerrard, having become a key member of Juventus’ dominant side in recent years. He’s very capable defensively – as 3.1 tackles per game attests – the sixth best rate in all of Serie A. He offers a fine contribution to the attack too, with eight goals and four assists in all competitions this season. The 27-year-old has shown the ability to play a similar kind of role to that of Gerrard, who has still hit double figures for goals this season (12) despite widely being regarded as past the peak of his powers – although his total is boosted by five penalties.
With Gerrard leaving, it is vital that Liverpool have someone in mind to provide that kind of quality from the middle of the park, with players like Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen less renowned for their goalscoring, scoring just eight between them in all competitions in 2014/15.
According to the Daily Express, the Reds have submitted an offer of £14.4m, though the article also states that Juve will hold out for closer to £25m to let him go.
The Express adds that Manchester United have been keen on Vidal in the past, though they no longer seem to be strong contenders for his signature this summer, perhaps due to the fine form of players like Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick in central midfield this season.