Transfer Gossip: Liverpool ready to offer £52m for ‘superstar’ Van Dijk partner; advantage Arsenal as they rival Villa for LaLiga forward

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in signing a £52million-rated Benfica centre-back, while Friday’s Transfer Gossip claims Arsenal are ready to rival Aston Villa and Everton for a Villarreal forward.

KLOPP STEPS UP INTEREST IN ANOTHER BENFICA STAR

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Antonio Silva while an unnamed English club are allegedly ready to offer around£52million for the Benfica defender.

The Reds are expected to make a number of signings in 2023 as they look to revamp Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

And while midfielders are expected to be the main focus of attention, the Reds are also being tipped to sign a new centre-back.

Joel Matip’s injuries continue to be a problem, while Joe Gomez’s form has been inconsistent this season.

And Liverpool appear to be eyeing up Benfica star Silva, who Fabrizio Romano claimed in October was on Klopp’s radar, along with Manchester United.

The talented 19-year-old has been in the Benfica ranks since arriving from Viseu United back in 2016.

Carragher dubs Benfica man a ‘superstar’

The 6ft 2in centre-back has burst onto the scene this season. Indeed, he’s already bagged three goals in 16 games for Benfica this term.

Reds legend Jamie Carragher has backed Silva to become a ‘superstar’. And the Reds have enjoyed doing business with Portuguese clubs of late.

Luis Diaz arrived from Porto in January whilst Darwin Nunez joined from Benfica over the summer.

ARSENAL TO RIVAL VILLA FOR VILLARREAL FORWARD

Arsenal are reportedly targeting a January transfer for Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze.

Mikel Arteta spent heavily over the summer, with Arsenal’s transfer policy fully vindicated by them currently sitting top of the Premier League table.

But it appears the Gunners are not ready to let complacency settle in, with more additions eyed in January.

They have already been strongly linked with Shakthar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.

However, Chukwueze has also caught the eye according to Fichajes reports that Villarreal could look to cash in on the Nigerian, whose contract runs out in 2024.

The Villarreal forward has been on Arsenal’s radar for several years. Indeed, the north London side missed out on the chance to sign him for just £4million back in 2018.

Chukwueze has since gone on to impress in LaLiga and the Champions League and is also wanted by other Premier League clubs.

Everton are considering a move for the 23-year-old. Meanwhile, new Aston Villa boss Unai Emery also wants to be reunited with the attacker.

Arsenal could have an advantage though, given they can offer European football in the second half of the campaign.

WEST HAM MOVE FOR EVERTON STAR

West Ham United have reportedly made an approach to sign Everton defender Michael Keane.

Despite still having three years remaining on his contract, the centre-back has fallen behind summer arrivals Conor Coady and James Tarkowski in the pecking order under Frank Lampard.

David Moyes’ men are said to have held a strong interest in the 29-year-old over the summer. However, a move failed to materialise before the deadline.

But now Football Insider states that West Ham have ‘registered their interest’ in Keane. The report adds they have made an ‘approach’ ahead of a potential move next year.

For their part, Everton are reportedly willing to listen to offers of around £10million in the January window.