Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcelona star Pedro has been given a major boost, with reports suggesting the Spanish international could be available for just £7 million this summer.

That’s according to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, who claims that the Reds, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are all in the hunt for the 27-year-old. The piece also claims that Inter Milan are in the running for the Blaugrana star.

While Pedro has been shunted out of the spotlight at Barcelona since the arrival of Luis Suarez, at his best he’s a wonderful talent. Here’s a reminder of the kind of impact he can have in a side:

Liverpool should be on the lookout for a player in his mould. So often this season, Brendan Rodgers’ side have been one-dimensional in their offensive forays, and a winger with Pedro’s raw, direct style would refresh this facet of the squad.

However, as noted by Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez earlier this season, the Spaniard has really been struggling for form:

It’s important to put his problems into context, though. After all, which player wouldn’t look inferior to Barcelona fans in direct comparison to Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi? In addition, being given sparing appearances every now and then is not ideal for Pedro’s attempts to get back to his best form.

For Liverpool, a £7 million signing would be a real coup. Rodgers would be able to give the winger the kind of minutes he needs to rediscover his swagger, and his enthralling style of play would give everyone at Anfield a lift.

 

Arturo Vidal a £25 million Target

According to the Daily Express (h/t Liam Corless of the Daily Mirror), Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is “nearing” a transfer to Liverpool. The piece claims that the Reds have lodged a £14.4 million bid, but the Bianconeri are after £25 million.

Here’s a reminder of why Vidal is rated as one of the best central midfielders in the game:

To land a player of the Chilean’s calibre would be an incredible coup for Liverpool. Vidal has been at the heart of this superb Juventus team which has won Serie A and the Coppa Italia already this season; they’ll also take on Barcelona in the Champions League final on June 6.

With that in mind, it’s difficult to see how Liverpool, who have massive prestige but no Champions League football to offer, could potentially lure him to Merseyside. In addition, for arguably the finest central midfielder in world football at the moment, £25 million simply won’t be enough.

Bleacher Report’s Karl Matchett certainly can’t see any deal materialising:

Vidal can do it all. The La Roja midfielder boasts excellent defensive instincts, brilliant technical skills and can make a telling impression bursting forward with the ball. He’d be perfect for the Premier League and an instant hit with Liverpool supporters, but for the time being, to entertain the prospect of this deal coming to fruition is fantastical.

Chelsea Keen On Christian Benteke

Aston Villa look as though they’ll face a fight to keep hold of star centre-forward Christian Benteke beyond this summer, with reports suggesting Chelsea are to join Liverpool in the race to sign the striker.

John Cross of the Daily Mirror claims that Jose Mourinho wants to bolster his options up front for next season, with all three of his current centre-forwards suffering fitness issues. Cross claims that Chelsea’s interest is a major setback for the Reds, although “Anfield is currently his most likely destination.”

As Squawka Football noted, Benteke has been in brilliant form for Villa of late:

Even if Chelsea are keen on the burly Belgian, the Reds should be able to win this transfer tussle. While the Blues are more likely to challenge for trophies next season, Benteke would see much more first-team football at Anfield; at Stamford Bridge, he’d most likely play second fiddle to Diego Costa.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe revealed earlier in the campaign that he feels as though Liverpool need a centre-forward to get back among the top sides in the division:

The Reds’ squad is currently packed with intricate attacking players, and although this can lead to some supreme football, every team needs to be varied up top. Benteke would be able to give Liverpool a completely different kind of threat at the sharp end of the pitch, and even though he’d cost a reported £30 million, the Belgian would be a savvy acquisition.

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