Marco Verratti could be available this summer (Image: Getty)
Arsenal and Liverpool FC have both reportedly been offered the chance to sign former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti.
The Italy international left the Parc des Princes last summer to head to Qatar, joining Al-Arabi for a reported fee in the region of £39million.
However, a return to Europe could be on the cards for Verratti as his entourage already appears to be stirring up interest in the Premier League and the Serie A.
According to HITC, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are among a host of clubs who have been notified that the 31-year-old could be available for a cut-price fee in the final fortnight of this summer’s transfer window.
Verratti has just 12 months left on his contract with Al-Arabi and it is unclear whether he would be willing to remain in the Middle East or return to Europe if an exciting proposition arrives from those who he has been ‘offered’ to .
Arsenal are in the market for reinforcements in midfield, with Mikel Arteta’s side currently locked in negotiations with Real Sociedad for Mikel Merino. A deal is not close at this stage, though personal terms and contract length are already agreed with the Spain international.
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Marco Verratti has one year left on his contract in Qatar (Image: Getty)
Similarly, Liverpool identified a Sociedad star as their top target in midfield, Martin Zubimendi. However, they have been snubbed by the playmaker, who is now expected to sign a bumper long-term contract with his boyhood club.
The Reds are now weighing up whether they should re-enter the market for a No. 6 or put their faith in their current crop of midfielders. Thus, the chance to sign Verratti could come at the perfect time for Arne Slot.
Lionel Messi praised Marco Verratti whilst at PSG (Image: Getty)
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The playmaker was previously regarded as one of the best midfielders in Europe and earned plaudits from some of the best in business. Whilst at PSG, Lionel Messi was quick to heap the praise on his teammate.
He said: “Marco Verratti has shown that he is a huge player. One of the best in the world in his position. He was wanted in Barcelona, but now it is the reverse and it is me coming to him in Paris.”
Countless other players have praised Verratti previously as well, though it remains to be seen whether he fits the bill of what Liverpool and Arsenal are looking for at this stage of the window after being offered the chance to acquire his services.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1936022/Arsenal-Liverpool-transfer-news-Marco-Verratti-Lionel-Messi