Liverpool face serious threat from Italian giants to sign former arsenal star
Aug 6, 2016 at 2:18 PM
Liverpool has three of their defenders injured and are desperate to add more depth to the defensive section quickly. The Reds are believed to be interested in Thomas Vermaelen from FC Barcelona.
According to the latest reports, the defender is also chased by Roma and the Italian giants are ready to give tough competition to the Reds.
Vermaelen joined Barcelona but has been plagued by injury during his stint and has made only a handful of appearances for the Catalan outfit. Naturally, the La Liga champions are looking to offload Vermaelen and are ready to listen to offers.
Liverpool are looking add more depth to their defense and Roma are looking for some defensive solidarity as well. The player is keen for a move out of Barcelona and while he may return to England there is nothing confirmed yet.
Liverpool have already signed several players but yet to add defenders to their rank other than Joel Matip.
Earlier in April, reports claimed that Liverpool tried to take advantage of the situation to lure him back to the Premier League with a €10m offer. Barcelona, however, turned down the bid because they were expecting at least €12m to part ways with the player.
The Belgian defender had also been linked with a return to Arsenal as they search for a replacement for the injured Mertesacker.
But, according to Tuttosport, Vermaelen will not be heading to the Emirates as he has agreed to personal terms with Roma.
The Italian club are now in talks with Barcelona over a fee – but they are confident a deal can be struck.
Roma are ready to offer £1.5m to take the centre-back on loan for the season, with the move being made permanent next summer following the payment of a further £7m.