Arsenal and Liverpool to battle each other for the signing of 22-year-old defender

caughtoffside

·12 March 2024

Arsenal and Liverpool to battle each other for the signing of 22-year-old defender

Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho is reportedly a target for Arsenal and Liverpool.

Since leaving Royal Antwerp for Frankfurt in a €9 million (£7.7 million) transfer last summer, the 22-year-old has left a lasting impact.

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With 35 appearances in all competitions, Pacho has solidified his position as a mainstay in Dino Toppmoller’s lineup.

Playing every minute of Ecuador’s six World Cup qualifiers, the left-footed center-back has established himself as a vital member of the team.

Ecuadorian defender has impressed Premier League clubs

Journalist Florian Plettenburg claims that Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Liverpool have taken notice of Pacho’s performances.

The Ecuadorian international has been shortlisted by both teams as they consider whether to make a move during the summer transfer window.

Frankfurt are reportedly aware of the interest, but as Pacho has a contract that expires in the summer of 2028, they are not under any imminent obligation to sell.

Willian Pacho in action for Eintracht Frankfurt

Arsenal and Liverpool told asking price

The German team will thus probably ask for €60 million (£51.2 million) in order to approve the defender’s move before the 2024–2025 season begins.

As of right now, Mikel Arteta is eager to bolster his defense further in the summer. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are considered Arsenal’s first-choice center-back combination but the Arsenal manager wants more depth in defense.

Joel Matip’s future is unknown, therefore Liverpool may also need to find a new central defender in the meantime.

The 32-year-old may have played his final game for the club as he has been ruled out of the season due to a knee injury.

As things stand, when the Cameroonian’s current contract ends at the end of the season, he will be free to depart Anfield.