Liverpool and Arsenal are set to go toe-to-toe in a bid to sign Schalke 04 star Max Meyer on a free transfer this summer, according to the Daily Star.
The newspaper report that Liverpool have joined the Gunners in the race for the 22-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, with Euro giants Bayern Munich and AC Milan also interested.
The Star claim that Arsene Wenger has made Meyer a top priority this summer, attempting to persuade him to join German compatriot at the Emirates.
It is said that club’s hopes of securing Meyer’s signature this summer were boosted by Schalke CEO Christian Heidel’s comments last month.
As quoted by the Star, Heidel said: “Max will be deciding shortly if he wants to stay at Schalke past the summer. Max is very happy here, Schalke is his home, we will try to make it him as comfortable financially as possible.”
Meyer has earned four caps for the Germany national team, the first coming when he was just 18 years old.
Good move for Liverpool?
Absolutely.
Meyer has been on the radar of several top clubs for a few years now, and with his contract ending at the end of the campaign, now looks like the time he will finally make that leap.
The 22-year-old has shown considerable maturity after being deployed in a deep-lying role for Schalke, with the midfielder playing most of his career as an attacking player.
That versatility has added to his game, and would be a great asset to any club that buys him.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
If Meyer is to leave Schalke in the near future, it will be this summer with his contract set to end.
It looks as though there will be heavy competition for his signature, which could pose a problem.
However, Jurgen Klopp may be able to persuade his German compatriot to move to Anfield, depending on what other options are on the table.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10