REPORT: Liverpool Have 2 Serie A Stars On Their ‘Shortlist’ To Replace Jeremie Frimpong
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Liverpool are showing interest in both Juventus’s Pierre Kalulu and Roma’s Wesley, according to reports in the Italian media.
TMW claim that Kalulu, in particular, is one of the “highest names” on the Reds’ “shortlist” as they seek to strengthen their options on the right-hand side of defence.
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The Frenchman has a similar profile to Ronald Araujo in that he can play both as a centre-back and at fullback. However, the Juve defender is much more mobile than the Uruguayan.
Wesley is more attack-minded than both of them, having played mostly as a wingback on both flanks under Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. He has also been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham.
Why are Liverpool targeting these 2 players?
It is believed that the Reds have lost patience with Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutchman is regarded as a square peg in a round hole by many supporters. He’s a specialist wingback who has been asked to play in a back four.
Head coach Andoni Iraola has clearly recognised that, having not started the 25-year-old in a Premier League game since the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at the end of August.
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Araujo is not the answer
Some may suggest that the club should stick with Ronald Araujo rather than pursue Kalulu, but the Manchester City game was a prime example of why the Barcelona loanee is not a long-term solution at right-back.
The 27-year-old was ripped to shreds by Jeremy Doku, and while Araujo may not be going up against the likes of the Belgian every week, he is very limited both defensively and in the final third.
Kalulu is a key player for Juventus, and TMW report that the Bianconeri are keen to tie him down to a new contract, but the Serie A side are facing potential financial problems if they fail to secure Champions League qualification for a second season in a row. It means that they are unlikely to resist a bid from the Reds in the New Year.
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