Arsenal and Liverpool will fight for the Premier League title in 2024/25 and are also engaged in a tussle over a transfer of a dream signing now told to join the Gunners.
The north London and Merseyside outfits were the unsuccessful bridesmaids in the 2023/24 title fight as Manchester City won, again. Pep Guardiola has led the Citizens to a historic run of four successive crowns. Arsenal and Liverpool will look to end their dominance next term.
Just two points separated Manchester City at the top of the table to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta pushed his mentor. Liverpool finished the season a further seven points behind the Gunners as manager Jurgen Klopp bowed out at Anfield. Arne Slot has taken over the Reds’ hot seat.
Liverpool target Justin Bijlow urged to join Arsenal
It may not be long before Slot reunites with one of his former players, either. De Telegraaf is reporting that Arsenal and Liverpool both believe Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow would be an ideal arrival. The Gunners and Reds are in the market for a new second-choice keeper.
Liverpool face uncertainty surrounding Caoimhin Kelleher’s future as Alisson’s Becker’s No2. Similarly, Arsenal may sell Aaron Ramsdale this summer as the England international refuses to spend another year behind David Raya. He lost the starting spot in N5 back in September.
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Dutch journalist Lars Teunissen also claims that Liverpool’s interest in Bijlow’s transfer is not connected to appointing Slot. The 26-year-old was Slot’s No1 at Feyenoord when fit with 17 outings across 18 Eredivisie fixtures in 23/24. But Teunissen feels Bijlow should join Arsenal.
“It is good to mention that Arne Slot has nothing to do with this yet,” Teunissen outlined, via quotes by Voetbal Primeur. “Liverpool already had him on the list before Slot’s appointment.
“If you are in the luxury position of choosing between Liverpool and Arsenal, go to Arsenal.”
Justin Bijlow has spent his entire career at Feyenoord
Arsenal and Liverpool are exploring Bijlow’s transfer from Feyenoord as they feel he would be an ideal No2 goalkeeper. The two Premier League giants also both believe the eight-cap Netherlands stopper has the potential to grow into a greater role in their respective teams.
Bijlow registered eight clean sheets through his 17 Eredivisie appearances this season. The Rotterdam native only fell out of Slot’s side after fracturing his wrist in August and suffering a calf injury in February. He now heads to Euro 2024 as the understudy to Bart Verbruggen.
A transfer to Arsenal or Liverpool would mark a big step in Bijlow’s career, too, having spent his entire career at Feyenoord. He is a product of the academy at De Kuip yet has only made 143 first-team appearances since registering the goalkeeper’s senior debut in August 2017.