Liverpool set to rival Arsenal for Bundesliga defender with 39 appearances this season

Liverpool and Arsenal are competing in the transfer market for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho to bolster their defence

Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho is a transfer target for Liverpool and Arsenal to bolster their defence department in the summer. The 22-year-old is enjoying a fantastic season for the German side after joining them from Royal Antwerp last summer.

Standing at 1.87 metres, Pacho is a physically dominant figure in the backline of Frankfurt with formidable power and athleticism. Despite the physical quality that helps him dominate any opponent in duels, the 22-year-old relies more on his game intelligence.

The Ecuador international makes well-timed tackles and interceptions instead of bullying his way through the situation with aggression. He demonstrates high discipline and mature decision-making, seldom going to the ground or out of position.

Pacho’s judgment on and off the ball are his best qualities as he is a modern-day defender. The 22-year-old prefers to play in a possession-based system with a high line to build play from the back.

He is a good distributor and composed in high-pressure situations, shielding the ball elegantly against any pressing. Despite Frankfurt’s recent dip in form, they are currently sixth in the Bundesliga with Pacho playing a pivotal role.

The 22-year-old has made 39 appearances

in all competitions for Frankfurt, contributing with an assist this season. He has missed only one Bundesliga match for Frankfurt this season as they conceded only 39 goals from 29 matches.

According to Florian Plettenberg (h/t X), Arsenal and Liverpool have inquired about Pacho as their interest continues to persist. Frankfurt values the 22-year-old at around €50-60 million in transfer fees and is ready to sell him.

Liverpool needs to bolster their defence after continuously leaking the first goal throughout this season which has cost them recently. Jarell Quansah has established himself as the senior player but Joel Matip’s contract expires at the end of this season.

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Captain Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are the remaining defensive options for the Reds. Van Dijk is nearing the end of his peak years while Gomez has featured more as a utility player due to his versatility.

Meanwhile, Konate has struggled with form recently and his injury record makes him very unreliable as a first-choice. Pacho fits the profile that Liverpool desire but any potential deal is dependent on the new manager who would succeed Jurgen Klopp.