Arsenal and Liverpool transfer target Denis Zakaria has reached an agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund over certain contract clauses, according to Sky Germany.
Zakaria has put a number of clubs on alert as the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder is out of contract next summer. His agent is now in discussions with a raft of clubs, including BVB and some Premier League outfits, to secure the best destination for the Swiss star.
Die Fohlen are also still deliberating internally how to handle Zakaria’s future at Borussia-Park. Club chiefs are yet to decide whether or not to try to sell the 25-year-old in January and recoup some form of a fee, or to hold on to the 40-cap star until the end of the term.
Borussia Dortmund are working to keep Zakaria in the Bundesliga and could agree terms with Monchengladbach for a January transfer. Talks between the Westfalenstadion outfit and the midfielder’s agent have so far proven very productive for BVB’s pursuit.
Dortmund have an agreement in place over certain clauses for Zakaria’s suggested contract at the club. But the midfielder, BVB or Die Fohlen have not made any final arrangements.
Reports by Gazzetta dello Sport claim Monchengladbach would want €10m (£8.5m) to sell Zakaria in January. The Italian publication also note Juventus and Roma are interested in a deal. But Liverpool lead the race for his transfer as Zakaria wants to play for Jurgen Klopp.
Arsenal are also in talks with Zakaria’s agent, per Fussball Transfers, but would prefer a free transfer next year. Their hopes of a deal also hinge on qualifying for the Champions League.
Rose to help Dortmund seal transfer of Arsenal, Liverpool target Zakaria?
Arsenal’s hopes of signing Zakaria took a dent over the past week by losing to Manchester United and Everton. Borussia Dortmund are now, seemingly, set to add another blow, too.
BVB are making strides towards signing the Swiss and would be willing to move earlier than the Gunners. But the allure of working with Klopp at Anfield could yet also derail their bid.
Liverpool, Arsenal or Borussia Dortmund would sign a top box-to-box operator by poaching Zakaria from Monchengladbach. The £51k-a-week ace has offered two goals and one assist in 12 Bundesliga outings so far this season while shielding the Fohlen defence.
His last goal coincidentally came against BVB to beat his former manager Marco Rose back in September. The German coach switched North Rhine-Westphalia side over the summer.
Rose spoke fondly of Zakaria’s talents while in charge of Monchengladbach, so the chance to reunite could prove very appealing. The Dortmund boss told Sky Germany last year:
“He is a very complete footballer who still has a lot of development potential. He has incredible dynamics, an understanding of the game and is not yet at the end of his development.”
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