Liverpool considered signing Denis Zakaria before picking Arthur Melo – and the Swiss international is now set to join Chelsea instead.
The Reds have been forced into the market having suffered a number of midfield injury blows in the early weeks of the season.
Jordan Henderson added to that injury list by picking up a hamstring problem against Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
Liverpool have decided that they need another body in midfield and Arthur is on his way in – but it could have been another Juventus midfielder arriving.
Liverpool considered signing Denis Zakaria
Arthur is expected to become a Liverpool player before the deadline with an agreement in place for a loan deal.
The Brazilian is down the pecking order at Juventus and Massimiliano Allegri is more than happy to let him leave for the season.
Liverpool seemingly believe that the former Barcelona man is a quality addition to Jurgen Klopp’s midfield ranks.
However, the Reds did look into signing one of Arthur’s teammates in Denis Zakaria.
That’s according to Gianluca Di Marzio anyway, as he claims that Liverpool asked about signing Zakaria last night.
Liverpool instead chose to take Arthur, but Zakaria is still set for a big move to the Premier League before tonight’s deadline.
Di Marzio claims that Chelsea are set to sign Zakaria as a loan with option to buy is on the verge of being agreed with Juventus.
Zakaria is allegedly on his way to London to sign for Chelsea now, bolstering Thomas Tuchel’s options in midfield.
Chelsea had focused on signing Ajax’s Edson Alvarez, but with the Amsterdam club standing firm, Zakaria is their new target.
The 25-year-old only joined Juventus in January, leaving Borussia Monchengladbach inside the final six months of his deal.
Despite being hailed as ‘very complete’ by former Gladbach boss Marco Rose, Zakaria is already available and Chelsea have swooped in.
Liverpool will hope to have made the right choice, and Arthur could lock horns with Zakaria when the two teams meet late this month.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
