Arsenal are ready to swoop for Liverpool’s Daniel Agger to replace Thomas Vermaelen, the Belgian who completed his move to La Liga giants Barcelona according to English media outlet Independent.
The Gunners are also lining up Olympiacos defender Kostas Manolas, the Greek who is also reportedly a transfer target for Italian giants Juventus and Roma. The London club don’t have enough depth in the centre of defense as manager Arsene Wenger is wary of a potential injury crisis to either of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, which could ruin Arsenal’s bid for the 2014-15 Premier League title.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers’ had earlier said that he is yet to receive any offer for the Dane and it would be interesting to see if the Reds from Merseyside sell one of their star player to their domestic rivals.
Agger however has fallen the pecking order at Anfield as Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho and new signing Dejan Lovren all preferred to the Denmark captain. Arsenal were also interested in Manchester United’s target Mats Hummels, but the World Cup winner would not be sold for any price, Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp had confirmed. Moreover Hummels ahs now already been made the captain of the Westfalenstadion outfit.
Agger is however still recovering from injury as he undergoes further treatment on his knee and Rodgers had mentioned that the Dane was unfortunate not to get significant game time in pre season, specially in the Reds’ tour of the United States.
Napoli are also interested in 29 year old which is understandable given former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is now in charge of the Partenopei, the Spaniard who had earlier bought Agger to Anfield from Danish side Brondby and had moulded him into one of the best centre backs in the world.
Wenger however is ready to build upon Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield and is ready to add further summer signings.
“If I can find another centre back I will do it. I’m very happy (with our business) and I’m still open to doing more.” Will Liverpool allow Agger to cross Merseyside and join the Emirates outfit?