Premier League rivals Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are all reportedly eyeing a summer transfer move for RB Salzburg attacker Patson Daka.
According to a report from Salzburger Nachrichten, Red Bull Salzburg forward Patson Daka is a man in demand in the Premier League ahead of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal all vying for his signature.
Daka, 22, spent the early parts of his career in his homeland of Zambia before making the switch to Europe in January 2017 when he signed for Austrian outfit FC Liefering. Only six months later, the versatile forward was snapped up by Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg.
Daka had a quiet couple of seasons before exploding in the 2019/20 campaign, especially following the departure of Erling Haaland to Borussia Dortmund. Having taken over the mantle of Salzburg’s chief goalscorer since the Norwegian’s exit, the 22-year-old plundered 27 goals and 12 assists last term.
And, he already looks set to better those numbers in the current season, having managed 27 goals and 8 assists from just 31 games across all competitions. His explosive form for Red Bull Salzburg has now put him on the radars of some of the biggest clubs in Europe with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal eyeing the striker.
Liverpool could be looking to bolster their attack in the summer amid question marks over the futures of the likes of Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri and Takumi Minamino. In addition, Roberto Firmino has struggled to find the back of the net on a consistent basis this term as well, which has hurt the team.
So, bringing in someone like Daka, who can play as a centre-forward but out wide as well and has enjoyed a prolific couple of seasons could make a whole lot of sense for the Reds. However, they will have to battle arch-rivals Manchester United for his signing given that they too are in need of a consistent goalscorer.
Anthony Martial, after enjoying a fine season last time out, has regressed to his inconsistent ways this term while Edinson Cavani is in the final phase of his career. So, it becomes imperative that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer & co. bring in a new centre-forward in the summer. While Haaland has been touted as the primary target, someone like Daka could be a more affordable alternative.
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Arsenal, too, are said to be keen on signing the Zambian striker ahead of the summer transfer window. The Gunners are considering the prospect of selling both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah in the summer while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s misfiring form this term warrants the addition of a new striker, making Daka a viable target.
Apart from the aforementioned clubs, Manchester City are also said to be looking at the 22-year-old as the club scours the market for a long-term replacement for all-time leading goalscorer Sergio Aguero.
The report adds that Daka is currently valued at just €20 million, making him an even more enticing prospect for all the clubs, considering that they will be operating on a restricted transfer budget this summer. It now remains to be seen whether any of Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal or Manchester City launch a move for the Zambian before next season commences.
