Chelsea
Liverpool Set To Open Formal Talks Over €19m-Rated Chelsea Target
Liverpool are set to open formal talks with Hoffenheim over a deal for €19m-rated midfielder Roberto Firmino, who has also been attracting interest from Chelsea
As we approach the opening of the summer window clubs will be intensifying their efforts in the transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Liverpool are linked with Roberto Firmino.
Image: Express
Liverpool are set to open formal talks with Hoffenheim over a deal for €19m-rated attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino, who has also been attracting interest from Chelsea, according to reports today.
Firmino has just come off the back of an excellent season in the Bundesliga where he scored 16 goals and provided 11 assists in just 33 appearances in a struggling Hoffenheim side that finished ninth in the table.
It appears his impressive form has caught the eye of some Premier League big guns with reports claiming that both Liverpool and Chelsea have been tracking the 22-year-old, with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers understood to have had his scouts watch the player on several occasions last season.
It looks like the Merseysiders are now ready to formalise their interest as the Metro are reporting that Ian Ayre is set to fly out to Germany over the coming days to hold official talks, with the Anfield club hoping to do business at €19m (£15m) – although they may be willing to stretch to €25m (£20m) to get their man.
Firmino is a creative midfielder who predominantly plays in a central position just behind the strikers, but is also capable of playing on the left wing or even up front if needed, so he’d provide Rodgers with plenty of options in attack if he does make the move this summer.
The player was unfortunate to miss out on a place in the Brazil squad for the World Cup, so he’d be available immediately to hold contract negotiations or undergo a medical if the two clubs are able to agree a fee.
READ MORE –> Chelsea transfer news | Liverpool transfer news
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will respond by firming up their interest, but with the club signing Cesc Fabregas last week it seems unlikely they will be in the market for another attacking midfielder, which should leave Liverpool as the clear favourites for Firmino’s signature.
