Liverpool Pursuing Top Centre-Back Target from Chelsea ‘Even at Record Price’

Liverpool are reportedly making moves behind the scenes to secure their top centre-back target from Chelsea, while Arsenal have been snubbed by the ‘Turkish Messi’. Despite their well-documented need for defensive reinforcements, Liverpool have yet to make a move for a centre-back this summer, instead focusing on their midfield rebuild. However, the Reds are said to be interested in 20-year-old Brighton defender Levi Colwill, who enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Premier League last term.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to keep Colwill at Stamford Bridge and is reportedly set to offer the young defender a new long-term contract. However, Colwill is said to be seeking assurances about game time before committing to a new deal. This indecisiveness on Colwill’s part has reportedly opened the door for Liverpool, who have spoken to the defender’s camp and expressed their interest in signing him “even at a record price”.

Despite Liverpool’s interest, Chelsea have made it clear that Colwill is not for sale. Talks between Pochettino and Colwill are expected to take place after the U21 Euros, with England boss Gareth Southgate reportedly telling the defender that he wants him to be a regular starter this season if he is to be in contention for a starting spot at Euro 2024.

If Liverpool fail to land Colwill, they may reignite their interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. However, Newcastle have also identified Guehi as one of their top targets to bolster their defence ahead of their Champions League campaign. Palace are said to be demanding £60m for the 22-year-old, who joined the club for around £20m in 2021 and has since won four England caps.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have reportedly been snubbed by 18-year-old Fenerbahce midfielder Arda Guler, dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’. Arsenal had reportedly begun the process to sign Guler over a year ago but his performances since then have attracted interest from bigger clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid. Despite Arsenal’s reported offer, Guler has opted to join Real Madrid in a deal worth €20m, according to reports.