Liverpool have reportedly joined the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal in the race to sign Monaco’s Tiemoué Bakayoko. The 22-year-old has become a key figure for the French outfit this season in their bid for the Ligue1 title.
Monaco are once again back challenging for the league title after a couple of years of uncertainty. Former Manchester United and Chelsea forward Radamel Falcao, who was a disaster in the Premier league, appears to have found his goalscoring form once again. While his goals have been a crucial factor behind the Principality club being involved in the title race along with Paris St-Germain and OGC Nice, defensive midfielder Bakayoko has been absolutely majestic.
The Frenchman has missed just four league matches this season. In the 20 starts, he has contributed with a whopping 3.3 tackles per game. This is a huge improvement on Liverpool’s Emre Can who has averaged just 2.1 tackles per game.
There have been a lot of rumours surrounding the German international over the last few weeks. Even though he scored the winner over Burnley in the 2-1 win during the weekend, it is widely believed that Can will consider his future in the summer, given that his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2018. He is yet to sign the dotted line despite Liverpool reportedly offering him a new deal on the table.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is aware that a player like Bakayoko will not come for cheap. He is expected to cost in the region of £52 million as a result of the enormous transfer interest from top clubs around the world. Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all reportedly interested in signing Bakayoko, and this has been a major factor behind driving up the price.
Arsenal have also been looking at the 22-year-old, although the club’s interest has been hit in recent weeks due to concerns about the future of manager Arsene Wenger. Any further transfer plans in the summer will depend on the Frenchman staying at the club.
Even though Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in the player, Bakayoko will see that his first-team opportunities are significantly higher if he joins Liverpool. There is no real competition for his place if Can and Lucas Leiva leave the club in the summer as expected. Jordan Henderson is expected to play further forward if Bakayoko comes to the club.
If he moves to Chelsea, Bakayoko will come in direct contention with N’Golo Kante, who has been in imperious form over the last two seasons. At Manchester United, the club have been unable to take a concrete decision over retaining Michael Carrick or letting the 34-year-old leave the club after more than a decade.
While Liverpool seems a favourable destination for the young midfield enforcer, it remains to be seen if Klopp is willing to shell out a good chunk of his £150-million transfer chest on the Frenchman.
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