Liverpool are the favourites to sign Stefan de Vrij from Lazio as Arsenal focus attention on Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez.
Liverpool are now he favourites to sign Stefan de Vrij on a free transfer from Lazio this summer, reports Spanish publication El Gol Digital, as Arsenal pull out of the race for the defender.
De Vrij is out of contract at the end of the season and sporting director at the Stadio Olimpico, Igli Tare, has ruled out the prospect of the Netherlands international signing a new deal.
It means that one of the most talented centre-backs in European football, with 33 caps for his country, will be available to sign for absolutely nothing.
Yet the Gunners have admitted defeat in their own pursuit of De Vrij, realising that the 26-year-old is more likely to make the switch to Anfield.
Instead they are focusing on Jose Gimenez of Atletico Madrid, who has a £57.3m release clause and won’t be allowed to leave the Spanish capital for anything less than that.
The North London outfit want a long-term replacement for captain Per Mertesacker, who is set to retire from playing when this current campaign ends.
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