Arthur to Liverpool transfer: Report claims Reds awaiting response after proposing shock departure as part of deal

Liverpool reportedly offered left-back Kostas Tsimikas to Juventus as part of their impending loan deal for Arthur Melo, an Italian journalist has claimed.

The Reds are finally bolstering their midfield with the arrival of the 26-year-old Brazilian. Klopp performed a U-turn last weekend and revealed he was in fact going after a new signing.

But throughout the last few days, the rhetoric has been that Liverpool will not get a new player in. Klopp even hardened that stance after Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Newcastle when he said “I don’t think so” in response to a fresh probe.

However, the hamstring injury to captain Jordan Henderson looks to have turned the screw on Liverpool bosses.

Arthur is subsequently gearing up to sign a straight-up loan deal with the Anfield club.

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, though, Liverpool offered Greece left-back Tsimikas to Juve as part of the discussions.

The Reds supposedly floated the idea through Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, when their interest in Arthur ramped up.

Juventus reportedly ‘followed’ Tsimikas in the past. While the Serie A giants have made ‘reflections’ on the proposition, they are yet to make a final decision on the left-back.

Tsimikas remains the deputy Liverpool left-back behind Andy Robertson and is into his second season at Anfield.

Last term, he impressed when called upon and scored the winning penalty in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. This term, he has made two substitute appearances in two games, notching two assists in the 9-0 win over Bournemouth.

At Juve, Alex Sandro and Mattia De Sciglio remain the left-back options. It is therefore hard to see where Tsimikas would fit in. The Juve pair’s contracts run out in 2023 and 2025, respectively.

Tsimikas going nowhere this summer

There is surely no chance Liverpool will be letting Tsimikas leave after the season he has just had.

Competing with Liverpool’s full-backs – Trent Alexander-Arnold included – is a very tough ask, but Tsimikas has done an exemplary job.

From keeping cool under pressure with silverware on the line, to delivering accurate crosses for regular assists, he continues to prove himself a solid back-up to Robertson.

And given Robertson is under the spotlight again after Liverpool’s sluggish start to the season, Tsimikas is definitely assured of his place at Anfield.