Liverpool and Arsenal had been involved in a transfer tug-of-war already this season. The Reds wanted to sign Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona but the Chilean winger chose to join the London outfit instead. However, this time it was a role reversal, with Liverpool moving quickly to beat Arsenal for the highly rated Atletico Madrid defender, Javier Manquillo.
Earlier today we reported that Liverpool are leading the race to sign Atletico Madrid’s young right back Manquillo and now Mundo Deportivo claim that the Merseyside giants have reached an agreement to secure his services.
The 20-year-old will join the Anfield outfit on a two year loan with Liverpool having the option to buy him permanently for €6m. However, Atletico will keep an option to get him back during the next two seasons, but only if they continue to play in the Champions League. Liverpool will pay his wages during these loan period.
Arsenal had shown a keen interest in him, with reports emerging early this month that the Gunners want to secure a season long-loan deal for the full back. Mundo Deportivo even suggested that Arsenal had demanded to include a clause in the deal, where they can sign him up permanently next season.
The Gunners have already signed Debuchy from Newcastle United, as a result of which Atletico felt sending the youngster to London now won’t be a good option. The Rojiblancos want to keep a close eye on his progress and felt Liverpool will be the best option for the youngster.
Atletico don’t want to lose out on him but at the same time also want him to get regular playing time (which is difficult at Atletico with Juanfran around) hence the loan move.
Atletico are planning to announce the deal officially soon after they sign Ansaldi from Russian outfit Zenit. While the player understands that life won’t be easy at Anfield either (competition with Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan), but Mundo claims he has personally requested Atletico board to let him join Liverpool.
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