Liverpool are in the market for a new forward this summer as they look to add a little more firepower.
The Reds ended the season having scored 140 goals across all competitions. However, there was an overriding feeling that they should have had more.
As a result, Liverpool are reportedly looking to bring in another attacker this summer. Who that is remains to be determined.
There have been claims that Michael Olise of Crystal Palace is a priority target but nothing concrete has emerged. The identity of who will be Arne Slot’s new frontman is still a mystery.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey though, there is now a player who can be crossed off the list of targets. He won’t be in the Liverpool squad next year.
Joshua Zirkzee heading to AC Milan
Liverpool don’t seem fully sure exactly what kind of forward they’re wanting to target this summer.
Most of the links have been to wide players like Johan Bakayoko, but there have been a couple of No.9 types thrown in, too. Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord, for example.
Another player who fits that kind of mould is Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman is coming off the back of a smashing season with Thiago Motta’s side.
Having fired Bologna to fifth place in Serie A with 11 goals and four assists, Zirkzee has been eyed by some of Europe’s biggest sides.
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According to journalist Graeme Bailey, one of those has been Liverpool. Speaking exclusively to Rousing The Kop, Bailey says that while the Reds ‘liked’ Zirkzee, they have now been told that the 23-year-old is heading to AC Milan.
“He’s a player they [Liverpool] like and they’ve looked at him before, but no, he’s heading to AC Milan now,” says the journalist.
“His agents have let his English suitors know, that’s Liverpool Man United and Arsenal. He’s not a top priority and I don’t see them getting in on that because AC Milan are trying to push that through now and get it done quickly.”
Who could Liverpool target instead?
It is a bit of a shame that Liverpool will not push forward to sign Zirkzee. The Bologna man looks like a really interesting prospect
Something a little bit in the mould of Roberto Firmino, Zirkzee could well have been a success at Anfield.
Having said that, the £51m asking price does seem a little steep for a player who would not really improve Liverpool’s starting XI.
Given the quality of the Reds’ forward line, you could argue that not many players would. However, we’d still love to see Liverpool make a try for Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Reds can reportedly afford to sign Kvaratskhelia if he becomes available this summer. Although that currently looks unlikely, we’d be tempted to keep the powder dry until he does.
As for Zirkzee, perhaps he will stay on Liverpool’s radar in Milan next season.