Liverpool ready to outdo Arsenal in the race for Ligue 1 midfield general

Liverpool are ready to battle Arsenal to sign AS Monaco star defensive midfielder Youssouf Fofana during the summer transfer window

AS Monaco star Youssouf Fofana is a transfer target for both Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal during the summer. Despite having numerous midfield options, the Reds lack a central player who prioritizes defensive duties apart from Japan’s Wataru Endo.

Endo joined Liverpool last summer after they failed to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia who ended up at Chelsea. However, Liverpool considers themselves lucky as Caicedo and Lavia have failed to deliver while Endo produced good performances last season.

The Reds played Alexis Mac Allister in the deep midfield role to allow Endo to adapt to the Premier League’s pace. Endo has delivered well for the Reds but he has also struggled in certain games, failing to match the requirements.

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool will challenge Arsenal to sign Fofana from Monaco this summer and upgrade their defensive midfield position. The Reds signed Fabinho from Monaco previously, who enjoyed great success at the club under legendary former manager Jurgen Klopp.

Player analysis: Youssouf Fofana

Standing at 1.85 metres, Fofana has a physical presence in midfield with strength and athleticism alongside incredible stamina. The France international operates as a box-to-box midfielder while prioritizing his defensive duties as a modern-day number six.

Fofana reads the opposition attack brilliantly to press them at the right places and win tackles in the middle third. The 25-year-old makes a lot of interceptions, recoveries and blocks while using his body as a shield against opponents.

On possession, he makes progressive carries with the ball with his long-striding run and strength to shrug opponents off. The Frenchman is very direct and makes a lot of progressive passes while using well-timed runs to leave his position.

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Fofana races back with pace and determination if he loses his position during any counter-attacking moment. The Frenchman made 35 appearances in all competitions for Monaco last season, contributing four goals and providing four assists.