Arsenal and Tottenham are among four clubs from London interested in signing Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren in the summer transfer window.
As per an exclusive report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool star Dejan Lovren is a wanted commodity in the transfer market. The Croatian international, who has been linked with a summer exit from Anfield, is being chased by as many as four Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Lovren has been at Liverpool since 2014, having arrived from Southampton. The Croatian has had his moments during his stint with the Reds, but could be on his way out of Anfield before next season, having fallen down the pecking order at the club.
Indeed, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has preferred Joe Gomez and Joel Matip ahead of Lovren this season. And with just a little over a year left on his contract, the Premier League champions-elect are open to the possibility of offloading him in the summer.
Lovren’s situation is being monitored by a number of clubs across Europe, along with Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal’s defensive issues have been well-documented. While things did look to have improved a bit under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners need new blood in their backline given that David Luiz is well into his thirties. Moreover, the likes of Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis have hardly been consistent enough.
Arsenal will be boosted by the arrival of youngster William Saliba, who has impressed on loan at AS Saint-Etienne. But, a more experienced defender would certainly be a welcome addition, making Lovren a viable target for Arteta & co.
Tottenham too have been struggling with problems at the back this season. The situation has failed to improve even after the arrival of Jose Mourinho last summer, leaving them in search of defensive reinforcements heading into the next season.
Jan Vertonghen could also be on his way out of the club, with is contract expiring at the end of the season. This will have been a factor for Mourinho and Tottenham to consider bringing in a seasoned campaigner to fill that void, leading to their supposed interest in Lovren.
However, Arsenal and Tottenham will have to face competition from fellow London outfits West Ham United and Crystal Palace in their pursuit of Lovren. The Hammers could be forced to sell Issa Diop amid interest from several top clubs, while the Eagles are looking for a stable defensive partner for Gary Cahill, which would explain their interest in Lovren.
The 30-year-old Lovren hasn’t been the most reliable figure in defence for Liverpool, especially in the past couple of seasons. But, given his volumes of experience in the Premier League, he would prove to be a valuable squad member for any club that is able to sign him. It now remains to be seen which London outfit comes out on top in the race for the Liverpool centre-back.
