Arsenal are reportedly set to win the race to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer. The Gunners have long been expected to beat Liverpool to the Spaniard, having watched him turn down a move to Anfield last year.
However, Liverpool could still get revenge with several deals over the coming months. Express Sport looks at five players who may reject Arsenal in favour of the Premier League champions.
Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike’s stock has grown this season and he seems set for a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Arsenal and Liverpool are expected to sign centre-forwards when the transfer window reopens, and the young Frenchman is reportedly on both clubs’ radars.
With Alexander Isak unlikely to leave Newcastle if they secure Champions League football, Ekitike is the ideal alternative in terms of his playing style. Like Isak, the 22-year-old takes a high volume of shots and they tend to translate into goals. He has scored 18 times for Eintracht Frankfurt across all competitions this season and could score more in a stronger team.
Dean Huijsen
Huijsen is expected to leave Bournemouth for his £50m release clause this summer. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid have all been linked. William Saliba and Gabriel seem set to remain at the Emirates Stadium, leaving Huijsen fighting for game time if he does join the Gunners.
Liverpool could be a better destination. He would compete for starts with Ibrahima Konate before becoming Virgil van Dijk’s long-term replacement. The Reds will be keen to beat the competition for the 20-year-old’s signature.
Antoine Semenyo
Arsenal seem likelier than Liverpool to sign a winger this summer. However, Arne Slot may want more options out wide and Semenyo is a genuine option.
Huijsen’s Bournemouth team-mate has been linked with most of the Big Six clubs. His 11 goals and impressive displays have earned admiring eyes from the Premier League’s elite. Liverpool would surely love to beat Arsenal to signing the 25-year-old.
Malick Fofana
Both teams have also been linked with exciting Lille prospect Fofana. The French side are expected to sell a couple of their best players to address some financial insecurity. Fofana has been watched by several Premier League teams.
The 20-year-old is a speedy right-footed forward, capable of playing across the front line. He would be an excellent addition for Arsenal or Liverpool, but the Reds may view him as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Eberechi Eze
Eze’s future is one to watch out for this summer. The England international will enter the final two years of his Crystal Palace contract over the next few months and, at 26, this could be his final chance to persuade a big club that his best years are still ahead of him.
Liverpool could benefit from another option at No. 10, where Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones have been rotated for most of the season.