Liverpool’s attempts to sign highly-rated midfielder Mateo Kovacic have been thrown into doubt as Serie A champions Juventus have joined the race, Express Sport reports.
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Liverpool Transfer News
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The Reds have been linked with a move for the Inter Milan playmaker as Brendan Rodgers looks to fill the void that will be left by the departure of captain Steven Gerrard, who is set to join MLS outfit LA Galaxy on a free transfer this week.
Reports emerged in Independent Sport last week that the Italians were willing to sell the 21-year-old in a bid to raise further transfer funds for manager Roberto Mancini and the Premier League outfit were said to be in talks over a £21.3million deal.
However, it appears that Juve are in pole position for the Croatian international’s signature after reportedly holding secret talks with Inter over the weekend.
Should Juve complete a deal for Kovacic, then it could pave the way for Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal to sign for Arsenal.
The Gunners are reportedly keen on adding the 28-year-old to their star-studded midfield at the Emirates Stadium and there has been major speculation in the media in the last few days that the transfer could be completed once Vidal’s involvement at the 2015 Copa America tournament in over [via Metro Sport].