Liverpool and Arsenal are both interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Jesper Lindstrom, with a game of transfer “poker” set to ensue between the two Premier League clubs. The Reds are in need of midfield reinforcements this summer, as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild his team. Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is also on the lookout for new recruits.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Liverpool have made contact with Frankfurt to try and sign Lindstrom, with the Reds said to be “highly interested”. Frankfurt are reportedly seeking around £44 million (€50m) for the Denmark international, a price that has not deterred either Liverpool or Arsenal.
According to Sport1, Arsenal had opened talks to sign Lindstrom recently in a £26m (€30m) deal, but Frankfurt are now holding out for more. The 23-year-old joined the German club from Danish side Brondby in June 2021 and has impressed in the Bundesliga ever since, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 22 league games this season.
While it may prove difficult for Liverpool to secure Lindstrom’s services, one potential advantage is that the player himself revealed he is a fan of the club back in 2022. “I’ve always said I’m a Liverpool fan, so it could be sick cool to play for Liverpool at some point,” Lindstrom previously said.
In addition to Lindstrom, Liverpool have also been linked with a move for his Frankfurt teammate Evan Ndicka, who looks set to leave on a free transfer after failing to agree a new deal.
Liverpool’s need for midfield reinforcements is clear, with the team struggling this season after a number of key players suffered injuries. The Reds have also struggled to score goals, with their attack lacking the same potency as in previous seasons. Klopp will be hoping that Lindstrom can provide some much-needed attacking threat from midfield.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are looking to build on their recent success under Arteta, having won the FA Cup and Community Shield last season. The Gunners have made a number of signings in recent transfer windows, but are still in need of further reinforcements if they are to challenge for the Premier League title.
It remains to be seen which club will win the race to sign Lindstrom, but with both Liverpool and Arsenal keen to strengthen their midfield options, it is likely that the battle for his signature will continue over the coming weeks and months.