Arsenal revealed as Liverpool rivals for flourishing Ligue 1 star, as fresh scouting mission lays bare all

Arsenal have long-term interest in Liverpool-linked Rennes star Lovro Majer and in fact scouted the midfielder on Thursday, a report claims.

The 24-year-old developed in his home country of Croatia but has flourished since moving to France. He announced himself on the European stage last season with 11 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

This term, Majer is on his way to cementing that progress, with one goal and two assists to his name already.

The midfielder, who has enjoyed comparisons to his esteemed fellow countryman Luka Modric, has subsequently emerged as a potential transfer option for overseas clubs.

And earlier this week, Liverpool’s interest in Majer emerged. However, reports talked of two hurdles in their pursuit – Barcelona’s interest and Rennes’ £52million fee.

According to the Daily Mirror, though, Arsenal also have Majer on their transfer radar.

The Gunners have been monitoring him ever since he left Croatia for France last summer. Furthermore, they watched his standout performance for his country on Thursday.

Majer scored his third goal for Croatia in his ninth cap as Zlatko Dalic’s side beat Denmark 2-1 in Nations League action.

And the midfielder’s winning goal was even more impressive given he scored shortly after coming on for a second-half cameo. The win put Croatia top of their Nations League A group with a third straight victory.

The Daily Mirror claims in contrast to the earlier report, that Rennes will demand £44million for their star man.

Majer looked as if he would be staying with Dinamo Zagreb last summer. He directly contributed to five goals in their Champions League qualifying campaign.

But, a day after the Croatian side lost to Sheriff Tiraspol to get into the Champions League proper, he signed for Rennes. In doing so, he replaced Real Madrid-bound Eduardo Camavinga.

Lovro Majer an exciting prospect

Majer has impressed in the early stages of his career and he is showing no signs of slowing down.

After missing out on European football last season, he has taken to the Europa League impressively. After a goal and an assist in two games, he is ready to kick on following the international break.

And with Rennes sitting eighth in Ligue 1 as it stands, there is everything to suggest that they could secure a top-four finish guided by their star midfielder.

Majer’s contract at Rennes only runs out in 2026, hence the big fee for his name.

But, there is every chance he leaves next summer if interest from Liverpool and Arsenal ramps up over the next few months. And both clubs could be making a wise investment.

Liverpool are in need of younger midfield investment. Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson and James Milner are all over 30. Meanwhile, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in their late twenties.

Below them, there is a big age gap to Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho – a gap Majer could fill.

Arsenal could also do with thinking about replacing Granit Xhaka. They signed Fabio Vieira this summer and have captain Martin Odegaard flourishing too.

However, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are 30 and approaching 30, respectively, so Majer could be a good option for them too.