After pushing for a generational change in the forwards and midfielders, Liverpool’s next target is to improve the final line. Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are getting older, and Andy Robertson is nearing 30. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s reserve is also not confirmed.
Young defenders who were expected to back up the right back, Calvin Ramsay last season and Conor Bradley this season, have both been forced to leave for long periods due to injury, and a side back to replace the England defender could be a point of reinforcement.
According to 90min, Liverpool is interested in Arnau Martínez, a Spanish U-21 defender who plays for Girona, a club that has made great progress this season. He has also made 12 appearances for the U-21 national team.
Many other clubs are also interested, including Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham, as well as Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid, German clubs Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, and Italian clubs Roma and Napoli.
Despite being out injured, Bradley is a promising prospect who had a very successful season with Bolton last season, and despite being 20 years old, his future is bright as he has made 13 appearances for Northern Ireland.
Along with Ramsay, who is on loan, he is expected to bounce back from injury.
With the number of clubs in the race, the transfer fee is likely to be higher than expected, and although it is unlikely that the club will give up on two promising young side-backs in order to acquire the Spanish U-21 defender, a move to a mega club is imminent.
Which club will the up-and-coming young side-backs step up to in next summer’s transfer market?