Liverpool
Premier League • England
Liverpool and Arsenal heavily interested in prolific Ligue 1 winger, but serious problem emerges
Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly set to battle for highly-rated Rennes attacker Martin Terrier, who is likely to leave at the end of the season.
Terrier was the subject of plenty of interest last summer after dazzling in the 2021/22 campaign, but the French side were very reluctant to let him leave.
However, with the player making no secrets about his desire to play at a higher level, Rennes may opt to sell him next summer whilst the two Premier League giants are pursuing him.
As mentioned, Terrier emerged on the world stage last season after enjoying his most prolific campaign to date.
In 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Frenchman scored an impressive 21 goals and made four assists, giving him an outstanding goals contribution per game average of 0.68, numbers which could rival almost any top player in Europe.
Terrier has continued his excellent form this season, too, after scoring nine goals and creating four in 16 league matches.
So, it is clear to see why Liverpool and Arsenal are keen on the player, as well as Manchester United and Tottenham. But unfortunately for Terrier, they could be put off after he picked up a serious injury in his last match for Rennes.
In a 2-1 victory over Nice last week, Terrier was stretchered off the pitch after suffering a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, which is expected to keep him out of action until the start of the 2023/24 season.
This will come as a massive blow to the player as he is keen to join a bigger club to break into France’s national team, for which he is yet to have a call-up.
Terrier could be ideal for Liverpool or Arsenal – but is he worth the risk?
Now, Liverpool and Arsenal will have to decide whether or not to pursue a deal, which according to Media Foot could cost up to €50m (approx. £44.2m).
Despite his horror injury, Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp may still consider him a viable option, as he is a proven goal scorer and at 25 years old could still get even better.
For Liverpool, Terrier could battle Luis Diaz for the left wing spot, once the Colombian returns from injury. Of course, the wide position was vacated by Sadio Mane when he left for Bayern Munich in June 2022.
Arsenal are also looking to bring in attacking reinforcements after being heavily linked with Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, but Arteta may look to add more quality for next season in the form of Terrier.
Indeed, if Terrier could add another 20 goals to either of the two teams, that could potentially be the difference between winning a title or not.
However, players who have picked up similar injuries in the past have struggled to get back to their previous form and with such a high price tag, it could be a risky move.