Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on exciting Almeria attacking midfielder Sergio Arribas, according to Spanish outlet Ideal Granada.
Andoni Iraola endured a frustrating start to his first summer transfer window after Yan Diomande snubbed a move to Anfield. The Ivorian winger has made Paris Saint-Germain his priority should he leave RB Leipzig as expected.
The Reds are using the Spanish market to bolster Iraola's squad ahead of his debut season with the Merseysiders. They beat Newcastle United to the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna after triggering his £34.5m release clause.
Liverpool now eye Arribas
Anfield
Another Spaniard is on Liverpool's radar and they are the latest club to show interest in Arribas. The versatile Spaniard starred for Almeria last season, registering 26 goals and seven assists in 47 games across competitions.
Arribas is predominantly an attacking midfielder, but he can play on either wing. The belief is that the sporting directors are young players who can develop into top talent, and the 24-year-old fits the bill.
A product of Real Madrid's academy, he is also on Sporting CP's wishlist and the Portuguese giants are "closely monitoring developments." Whether the Reds view Arribas, dubbed "outstanding" as a potential starter is unclear but Iraola will want a strong squad that can handle the schedule that comes with domestic and UEFA Champions League football.
Madrid retain a 50 percent sell-on clause which means Almeria will be eager to raise as much money as possible from a sale. He has three years left on his contract with the Spanish outfit but looks certain to be on the move.
Arribas could be a shrewd piece of business
Andoni Iraola gives a thumbs-upREUTERS/Peter Powell
Arribas' versatilty undoubtedly makes him an attractive option to help address Mohamed Salah's exit. Given his age and profile, it does feel like the type of signing Iraola likes judging from his tenure at Bournemouth.
If the Reds can land the Madrid-born talent for a reasonable fee, he could be a good addition to the squad. That said, he'd by no means be a marquee signing and the club still need to replace Salah with a top-quality winger.
Bradley Barcola is just that and his future is uncertain amid talk of Diomande heading to PSG. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Merseysiders have made the Frenchman their top target which is a wise decision.
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