Liverpool get major ‘green light’ boost for key big-money target as Arsenal ‘willing to sell’ 10-goal star

There’s still plenty of time for Premier League clubs to make major waves in the transfer window as they prepare to lock horns in the new season.

Liverpool remain invested in adding to their midfield as they patch up the wounds left due by an unexpected summer exodus. Arsenal are also looking to add more recruits to the roster but they must first look at players to offload so they can raise some extra cash.

Liverpool get ‘green light’ from target

Liverpool continue their pursuit of Southampton’s Roméo Lavia as they scramble to plug the gaps left by Jordan Henderson and Fabinho this window. The Reds have been in pole position to sign him for some time now and according to Fabrizio Romano, the Saints star has given the ‘green light’ towards the move, the clubs just have to agree on the fee.

Liverpool have tabled a £42 million offer for Lavia, which is still just shy of the £50 million the Championship side want. Their bid has been knocked back, as expected, and there is the risk of other clubs now sliding in to hijack the move.

The 3AM verdict: Liverpool really can’t afford to be playing hard ball right now — they’re in a tough situation and need numbers in their engine room. Henderson, Fabinho and James Milner have all left and only Stefan Bajcetic remains who is a natural defensive midfielder. Signing Lavia will be a positive step in the right direction but every club and player has their limit. It’s clear Southampton will not budge on their £50m asking price, so the Reds need to accept that and pay it or they risk the rug being pulled at the final hurdle.

Arsenal willing to take offers for 10-goal star

Arsenal have enjoyed a lavish spending spree this window so far, welcoming Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice to the Emirates as they look to challenge for the Premier League title again next season. There are other names linked to a move to north London this summer, but the Gunners want to balance the books a little before they return to buying new players.

One man who could be headed for the door this window is Emile Smith Rowe, as Arsenal are now willing to let him leave if the right amount of money is offered, according to CaughtOffside. The 23-year-old is currently valued at €35 million (£30m) by Transfermarkt, which would see Arsenal pocket a nice profit considering he came through the club’s youth ranks.

The 3AM verdict: After a strong 2021/22 season, Smith Rowe played in all but five of Arsenal’s Premier League matches and contributed 10 goals and two assists. However, last season he fell drastically away from the starting line-up, partly because of his injury but overall he was mostly limited to sporadic appearances off the bench.

The midfielder is certainly a talented player and Arsenal aren’t exactly brimming with options in that area. Yes, they have their new recruits but Granit Xhaka has left, and both Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga are also linked to exits, leaving just five fit players in the engine room. Smith Rowe would be a solid player to provide depth for Arsenal but he deserves a chance at regular football, and with Havertz, Rice and Martin Ødegaard likely taking the starting spots, it’s near impossible to guarantee him that under Arteta.

Liverpool target potential Lavia alternative

While talks with Lavia remain up in the air, the Reds also find themselves linked to Barcelona’s Franck Kessié. Both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are in the running for his signature but so far, only Juventus have actually tabled a bid for him. That’s according to Spanish source Sport, who report that Barca are hoping to hurry along Kessié’s exit, but he is holding out for an offer from the Premier League.

Barcelona have told Kessié he is free to choose his next destination but if new revelations do not come about, they will be pushing Juventus to finalise a deal. Liverpool will need to put some money down if they’re serious about bringing him in.

The 3AM verdict: Pursuing Kessié might well be a very smart move from the Reds. As we’ve already touched on, Klopp needs to bring in new options for the No.6 role and the club need to get a wriggle on as it’s now their main area of concern. Kessié is a central midfielder by trade but can operate comfortably in a deeper position, as well as centre-back. So not only will he be a much-needed asset in Liverpool’s weak area, but he can provide cover in other positions on the pitch as well.

It would be a strong window if Liverpool can sign both Kessié and Lavia but if they miss out on the Southampton man, it’s important Klopp has other options to consider as they cannot afford to fall all the way back to square one at this stage.