Liverpool submit contract offer for top defensive midfielder, as Arsenal star gets offered to Klopp

Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Cheick Doucoure from Crystal Palace by sending him a contract offer, according to reports – while an alternative could arrive from Arsenal.

Doucoure is one of the main defensive midfielders Liverpool are said to be looking at for the final couple of days of the transfer window, even if some sources have suggested they have concluded their search for a No.6 with the addition of Wataru Endo already.

Recent reports reflecting Liverpool’s interest in Doucoure denied they had submitted any kind of offer for him yet, partially out of concerns relating to his price tag. However, it is now emerging that they have drafted up a contract offer for the Crystal Palace enforcer.

According to Sports Zone, they have sent a proposal to Doucoure and his representatives. It it piques his interest, perhaps it could put pressure on Crystal Palace. It is not yet clear if Liverpool have touched base with his current employers, though.

Besides, Liverpool have various options under consideration to help fill the void left by Fabinho before the transfer window closes.

The report has been shared by Get French Football News, which adds that Liverpool have also been offered the services of Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Last season, Lokonga spent time as Doucoure’s teammate while on loan at Crystal Palace from Arsenal. His opportunities for gametime back up in north London look bleak, though.

Earlier this summer, the Belgium international was linked with clubs like Burnley and Brighton, but things have failed to progress on those fronts. Now, his representatives have reached out to Liverpool, according to GFFN.

However, Liverpool do not seem to have been too responsive to the idea of signing Lokonga, who remains under contract with Arsenal until 2026.

Whether the situation could change for the 23-year-old as the business end of the transfer window heats up, remains to be seen.

One more missing piece for Liverpool in midfield rebuild

Liverpool have replenished their midfield this summer with the signings of Endo, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. The new arrivals have helped account for the departures of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita, Arthur Melo, Fabio Carvalho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, players who were of varying importance to Jurgen Klopp’s regime.

Mac Allister and Szoboszlai can act as their new box-to-box options, but perhaps it would help them to have someone to rotate with Endo in the holding role.

Already 30 years old, Endo was picked up from Stuttgart as a short- or medium-term signing. Doucoure, like Lokonga, is seven years younger, so could have more potential for the long term.

The Mali international played 35 times in his first season with Crystal Palace after joining them from Lens last summer.

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