TURIN (Sporting Alert) — After missing out on Champions League qualifications for next season, Liverpool are set to spend big in the summer and it is reported that Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is hot on their list.
Reds manager Brendan Rodgers hinted that some of the club’s signings during last summer’s transfer window were not good enough and it cost them a top four spot.
Rodgers isn’t expected to bring in too many players this transfer window, but La Gazzetta dello Sport and Metro are reporting that the English Premier League outfits wants to sign more world-class players.
It is understood that Vidal has been stapled as the ideal replacement for the departing Steven Gerrard and Liverpool are prepared to make an offer of £25million for the Chile midfielder.
According to the reports, the Reds made a bid of £14.4million for the World Cup star, but Juventus were not willing to let one of their star players go so cheaply.
Vidal, who had battled through several injury setbacks to regain his top form, played an integral role in Juventus winning the Serie A title again, as well as booking a place in the Champions League final, where they will face Barcelona.
The 27-year-old has a contract with the Italian giants until 2017, but La Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting that the Old Lady have informed Liverpool they can have the midfielder for the right price.
Vidal had been linked with a move to Manchester United and Arsenal last summer, but those interest have since been cooled.
It is thought the Chile international would prefer to stay in Turin and see out the rest of his contract, but wouldn’t oppose making a move to England to play in the Premier League.
He was recently quoted as saying that he could “stay at Juventus for a lifetime.”
“Turin feels like home. The people are very warm and passionate, very Latin, similar to in Chile. They say hello when I walk down the street,” Vidal was quoted as saying on the Football Italia.
“I could stay in Turin for my whole life, for my family and for the people who love me.
“Of course, Juve are also one of the best teams in the world. It’s really difficult to change club when you’re this happy.
“This squad is spectacular and after the Scudetto we want to win the Champions League.”
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus, who issued hands-off alerts to the likes of PSG and Manchester United last summer, would rather focus on keeping Paul Pogba, who has been most sorted after youngster in Europe.
