Arsenal + Liverpool Handed Boost In Pursuit Of Belgian Attacker

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, Arsenal and Liverpool are handed a boost in their pursuit of Zakaria Bakkali.

Arsenal and Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Zakaria Bakkali with the Express claiming that PSV will look to sell the Belgian attacker if he doesn’t sign a new deal soon.

Bakkali has emerged as one of the hottest young talents in Dutch football after breaking into the PSV Eindhoven first team earlier this season and burst onto the scene with a stunning hat-trick against NEC back in August – becoming the youngest player of all-time to score a treble in the Eredivisie.

PSV has been desperately trying to tie him down to a new contract in a bid to ward off interest from abroad, with Arsenal and Liverpool among the clubs understood to be keen on luring him away.

However, so far the 18-year-old has been reluctant to commit his future to the club until he sees what other offers come in for his services at the end of the season, and it appears PSV are finally running out of patience.

Chief executive Marcel Brands confirmed they have offered Bakkali a new deal but insists the club won’t be forced to chase after the youngster for a decision, with the Express suggesting they will ‘immediately’ place him on the transfer list if he doesn’t sign an extension before the summer.

“We have offered Bakkali the best renewal possible, now it’s up to him.

“We won’t run after anyone”. Brands is quoted as saying by the Express.

Arsenal were strongly linked with the player in the run-up to the January transfer window, with a ‘source’ quoted in the Express as saying that Arsene Wenger is a big fan of the attacking midfielders and could make a move to buy him this summer:

“Bakkali is a player that Wenger rates highly.

“Arsenal have kept an eye on him and are aware that other teams want him, so could move in the summer to buy him.”

Therefore, the Gunners will be keeping a close eye on how the players situation develops over the coming weeks as we approach the opening of the summer window. Wenger is expected to be active in the market as he looks to add strength and depth to his promising squad after seeing injuries derail their title challenge this season, and Bakkali could be an exciting addition.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Liverpool transfer news

However, the newspaper suggests that the North Londoners will face competition from Liverpool should Bakkali refuse to sign a new deal and come on the market. Brendan Rodgers is also likely to be busy this summer after securing Champions League football at Anfield next season and the Belgian international would provide the Northern Irishman with plenty of options in attack as he can play out wide or through the middle as a second striker.

Do you rate Bakkali? Share your views below.