Liverpool are reportedly set to bid for Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs this summer, with manager Jurgen Klopp said to be keen on bolstering his options at left-back.

That’s according to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, who has stated there is a “growing likelihood” the 26-year-old will not be at the Emirates Stadium next season having fallen behind Nacho Monreal in the pecking order. Arsenal are said to want to cash in while they “can still command a high fee,” with a £12 million figure mooted.

That could potentially pave the way for the Reds to make an offer. After an inconsistent campaign for Alberto Moreno last term, it’s a position most supporters would love to see a fresh face. Football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor thinks there are other issues that need addressing at the back too:

Gibbs would be a start. While he’s not featured regularly in the first team for a while with the Gunners he is a player that has plenty of experience.

At his best the Arsenal man was pushing for a spot in the England starting XI. Gibbs is a player that has a lot of quality going forward and is able to overlap with purpose and fizz dangerous balls into the box. But he also possesses the energy to get back into defensive positions and cover his centre-backs.

He’s very much in the mould of a footballer that Klopp would like to add to his squad. Not only does he have talent to tap into, but after a spell out of the Arsenal side having lost his place, Gibbs will be hungry to prove he has what it takes to thrive at the top level.

Despite his diminished squad status, World Soccer Talk’s Chris Moore feels as though keeping the England man on board is important for the Gunners to provide squad depth:

It may not be the most illustrious name Liverpool go after this summer, but if they can get a deal done for a decent price then Gibbs could pose a swift solution to their left-back problems. For the player a fresh start at a venue like Anfield would likely be invigorating too.

 

Dani Alves Encourages Philippe Coutinho to Consider Exit

Philippe Coutinho should think about leaving Liverpool this summer if Barcelona make an offer for him, according to the player’s Brazil team-mate Dani Alves.

According to Paul Joyce of the Daily Express, Paris Saint-Germain and two other clubs from Europe have shown an interest in Coutinho recently, with Barcelona’s previous interest in the player noted. Alves thinks the 23-year-old has to listen if the Blaugrana do want him.

“Football is about living the moment,” Alves, who will leave the Camp Nou this summer, told Yahoo Esportes (h/t Dev Trehan of Sky Sports) “Liverpool have history but you should consider playing for top UEFA Champions League sides. He has the quality to play for Barcelona.”

Coutinho has become hugely popular at Anfield since joining from Inter Milan in January 2013. These numbers from WhoScored.com offer an insight into why:

The Brazilian would be a very tough man to replace. He can thrive in any of the three positions behind the centre-forward and under Klopp showcased a willingness to get on the ball to make key contributions in the final third. His touch, awareness and powerful long-range shooting make the Reds such a threat when putting their attacking patterns together.

But for a player in that particular mould, Barcelona is surely the best place in the world to play your football. Plus with no European football on Merseyside next season, the player would perhaps be tempted should the Spanish champions make a move. It’d take a massive amount to be bid before the Reds even consider cashing in, though.

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