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Transfer News: Liverpool could miss out on £43m playmaker as Juventus accelerate pursuit

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By Aniket Rai

Transfer News: Juventus taking steps to sign Liverpool target and AS Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo

In what comes as a potential blow for Liverpool, Goal (h/t the Express) claims that Juventus have accelerated their pursuit of AS Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Reds have been linked with a move for the Italian international this summer but could now lose him to the Bianconeri. Juve are even planning on strategies to circumvent the £43million asking price for Zaniolo.

Arthur Melo could be offered to Jose Mourinho’s team in order to sweeten the deal, but it remains to be seen what the Giallorossi think of it. At 22, the Italian is one of the most exciting youngsters in Serie A.

Transfer News: Juventus taking steps to sign Liverpool target and AS Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo
Liverpool set to miss out on Nicolo Zaniolo of AS Roma? (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images)

Mourinho has largely used the former Inter Milan starlet down the right flank, a position the Reds would be wise to strengthen. We have already lacked a readymade backup for Mohamed Salah down that flank for several seasons.

Should LFC react?

And now, even the Egyptian star could be on his way out, with his deal set to expire in the summer of 2023. Zaniolo, a versatile playmaker, can also play as a number 10 as well as behind the striker.

His eye for a pass and close control in tight spaces make him a potent attacker- one that still has his best years ahead of him. It is scary to think how much he can develop under a coach like Jurgen Klopp.

Alberto Aquilani was one of the handful of Italian players to never get going at Liverpool.
Alberto Aquilani was one of the handful of Italian players to never get going at Liverpool.

But if the Reds have retained an interest in him and really want him as a signing in the near future, it would be wise for our board to react to Juventus’ interest.

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Liverpool have had a few players from Italy before, with the likes of Fabio Borini, Mario Balotelli, and Andrea Dossena donning our famous Red shirt. But if we manage to sign Zaniolo, fans would hope he proves to be better than his Italian predecessors at Anfield.