Liverpool transfer news recap: Reds to rival Arsenal, Thiago suitors

Here's our Liverpool transfer news roundup for Thursday, 8th February 2024. The Reds plan on rivalling Arsenal for a target.

Planning for the summer is well underway and we can exclusively reveal Liverpool's plans to rival Arsenal for a €60m midfielder - a player who idolises Xabi Alonso, no less.

On top of that, there's talk around Thiago's likely exit from Anfield, while Patrick Dorgu addressed claims that the Reds want him.

Here's our Liverpool transfer news roundup.

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Liverpool want Zubimendi

Liverpool are ready to challenge title rivals Arsenal for the signature of Martin Zubimendi.

Anfield Watch understands that the Reds would be prepared to fork out the €60m (£51m) release clause to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder.

Liverpool are planning to go all out and fight the Gunners for the signature of the Spain international, who has been in fine form in La Liga.

Mikel Arteta's side are long-term admirers of the 25-year-old and are also thought to be plotting an offer in the summer.

The Liverpool interest comes amid speculation that the club still need a top-class player at the base of their midfield.

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Interest in Thiago

Spanish outlet AS claim that 'everything indicates' that Thiago will leave Merseyside this summer. However, there will be 'no shortage of suitors' despite his history of fitness issues.

The report does not name any clubs interested in Thiago. However, his former club Barcelona have regularly been mentioned.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and even Brazil have all also been suggested as possible next destinations for Liverpool's No. 6 in recent months.

Last summer, Anfield Watch reported that the Reds were prepared to listen to offers for Thiago amid their extensive midfield rebuild, but no suitable proposals were forthcoming.

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Dorgu talks interest

Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu has addressed interest from the likes of Liverpool. The defender certainly has his admirers.

Patrick Dorgu is impressing at Lecce, having moved there from Nordsjaelland as a youth player in 2022. It's enough that 'bigger' clubs are now looking at the player and Calciomercato claim Liverpool are amongst them.

The Danish left-back is still only 19 and while there's a long way to go before he's considered a star, teams are wondering if he's worth moving for. That kind of interest is a lot for any player, of course, especially when it's from the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona.

Danish outlet Tipsbladet asked Dorgu how he's handling it - and what he thinks it means for his future.

"I don't really think about interest from other clubs," said Dorgu. "I am in Lecce and I have to focus on the season and on myself.

"It's great to hear that people look at me and talk about me, but I don't have to think too much about it, because I play in Lecce. It is of course a good motivation for me that there are teams looking at me. It makes me work harder so I can reach the highest possible level.

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Leverkusen hunt for Alonso successor

A new report has given a strong hint that Xabi Alonso is leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

Relevo reports that Bayer Leverkusen are attempting to negotiate with Julen Lopetegui. The Spanish manager is out of work right now, having left Wolverhampton Wanderers just before the start of the season.

The report also claims AC Milan would like to appoint Lopetegui, but the manager hasn't given the go-ahead to anyone just yet. It's a wait-and-see on the former Real Madrid and Spain coach.

Now, the most interesting part of this is unquestionably that Leverkusen are looking at other managers. The report claims they're pushing hard to open discussions with Lopetegiu - a strong sign that they expect a new manager in the summer.

Their current boss is, of course, Xabi Alonso. He has Leverkusen sitting pretty at the top of the Bundesliga and undefeated in all competitions this season.

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