Fabrizio Romano confirms signing Liverpool will make, with Klopp to swat Arsenal, Chelsea aside

Fabrizio Romano insisted Liverpool will complete at least one more signing in a specific position, and a Premier League ace wanted by Arsenal and Chelsea has soared to the top of Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist.

The Reds have already wrapped up deals for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, though Klopp’s midfield ranks have been decimated from a purely numbers perspective this summer.

Indeed, Leighton Clarkson (Aberdeen), Arthur Melo (loan expiry), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (unattached), Naby Keita (Werder Bremen) and James Milner (Brighton) have all left.

Fabio Carvalho was occasionally deployed in midfield last season and has joined RB Leipzig on a season-long loan. Elsewhere, both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are courting concrete interest from Saudi Arabia, and the latest on whether they’ll depart can be found here.

As such, at least one more midfield signing looks a necessity for Liverpool. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, a holding midfielder to compete with or potentially replace Fabinho will be signed.

Speaking via his YouTube channel, the trusted reporter stressed buying a new holding midfielder is now priority number one at Anfield.

Romano also noted that even if Fabinho were to remain on Merseyside, an addition at the base of midfield will still be made.

On the subject of who that man might be, Southampton’s Romeo Lavia has risen to the top of Liverpool’s wishlist.

The 19-year-old is valued around the £50m mark by the Saints and is also attracting interest from Chelsea and Arsenal.

However, Liverpool’s need is arguably the greatest, while Arsenal’s move hinges on Thomas Partey leaving first and Chelsea are prioritising a move for Moises Caicedo.

As such, a move appears to be there for the Reds if they accelerate proceedings while their rivals are pre-occupied with other deals.

Liverpool “will sign at least one more midfielder” – Fabrizio Romano

“It doesn’t depend on Fabinho or Henderson,” said Romano. “In any case, [Liverpool] will sign at least one more midfielder.

“Romeo Lavia is top of the list, they want Romeo Lavia. But I’m told that Chelsea are still there, so let’s see what’s going to happen.

“Also we know that if Arsenal sell Thomas Partey to a Saudi Arabian club, [Lavia] could be a possibility for Arsenal.”

Romano went on to stress the Gunners and Blues could have a say, though it’s the Reds who appear to have both the greatest need and strongest desire to sign Lavia.

“Liverpool have Romeo Lavia in an important position in their list,” added Romano.

Lavia not the only option, but Caicedo links cool

However, the Belgium international is by no means the only midfielder Klopp and his recruitment team are casting their eye on.

“Liverpool are considering multiple options for the defensive midfield position,” continued the reporter.

Romano stopped short of naming names, though the Athletic did shed light on that front, naming Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat as a confirmed target on Sunday.

In any case, Romano went on to stress Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is not among Liverpool’s active targets.

“I’m told Moises Caicedo is not negotiating with Liverpool and Liverpool are not negotiating with Brighton at this point,” said the journalist.

“The only negotiation [regarding Caicedo] is with Chelsea. Caicedo agreed personal terms with Chelsea and wants to go to Chelsea.

“The contacts between Brighton and Chelsea are still ongoing.”

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