Liverpool open to Van Dijk offers as Barcola reportedly favours Arsenal move

Liverpool are prepared to consider offers for club captain Virgil van Dijk this summer, according to reports from TEAMtalk, while a second transfer target has reportedly chosen Arsenal over the Reds.

Van Dijk’s future in doubt

Van Dijk, who joins Liverpool from Southampton for £75 million in January 2018, turns 35 this month and is contracted at Anfield until the summer of 2027. TEAMtalk reports that while Liverpool are not actively seeking to sell the centre-back, the club no longer considers him “untouchable” and is “open to offers.” The club and player are said to be “prepared to evaluate any serious offer on its merits before making a decision.”

Head coach Andoni Iraola is not pushing for Van Dijk’s departure, but the report adds that former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has identified the Dutchman as a primary target for his new club, AC Milan. Turkish side Galatasaray have also been linked with an interest.

Van Dijk has been one of the most influential defenders of his era at Anfield, helping Liverpool win two Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2019, and multiple domestic trophies. He has also appeared in two further European Cup finals with the club, both of which ended in defeat to Real Madrid.

Barcola blow compounds Liverpool’s summer frustrations

Liverpool’s pursuit of PSG winger Bradley Barcola has also suffered a setback, with the player reportedly favouring a move to Arsenal. Journalist Lewis Steele, writing for the Daily Mail, suggested Liverpool are no longer viewed as the most attractive destination they were last season when they were Premier League champions.

Speaking on the Anfield Index podcast, Steele said: “I do think he probably will end up leaving PSG. He’s got a decision to make and he might prefer Arsenal. He’s probably looking at [Mikel] Arteta, and he might want to live in the capital city of London.”

The Barcola development follows an earlier setback involving Yan Diomande, who is reported to have chosen Paris Saint-Germain over Liverpool.

Liverpool’s summer business so far

Liverpool have not been inactive in the current window. Spanish winger Victor Munoz arrived from Osasuna for £34.5 million, while defender Jeremy Jacquet completed a move from Rennes in January in a deal worth around £60 million. Despite those additions, the club’s pursuit of further attacking reinforcements has so far drawn blanks.