Report: Arsenal made contact to try and beat Liverpool to Thiago

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According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have made first contact over a deal to sign Bayern Munich playmaker Thiago Alcantara.

It’s claimed that Arsenal have enquired about signing Thiago this summer, in what would be a huge coup for the Gunners.

Bayern want to sell this summer given that Thiago can leave for nothing in 2021, but Liverpool don’t want to pay the £23million asking price.

Thiago is 29 and commands big wages, meaning the Reds aren’t interested in paying a considerable fee – and Arsenal are taking a similar stance.

Arsenal allegedly need to have that fee lowered in order to pursue a deal, and would also need to offload wages in midfield by selling Lucas Torreira and Mohamed Elneny.

That makes it difficult to imagine Thiago arriving at Arsenal, but it’s no great surprise that Arteta wants to sign him.

Thiago – who will play in tonight’s Champions League final – is technically excellent, possessing guile and quality on the ball with his passing range, and Arteta will be familiar with his compatriot’s ability.

Arteta’s mentor Pep Guardiola was a huge fan of Thiago at both Barcelona and Bayern, so he could fit what Arteta is trying to build at Arsenal – but this will hinge on the finances involved as Arsenal look to hijack Liverpool’s interest.