Liverpool target £80m Eli Kroupi and Alessandro Bastoni for summer
Liverpool are planning early summer moves for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi and Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni to avoid complications caused by the upcoming World Cup.
Arne Slot’s side want to secure their primary targets before the tournament begins to ensure new arrivals have a full pre-season.
The Reds suffered last season after a protracted British-record deadline day move for Alexander Isak severely affected the striker’s early match sharpness.
They also missed out on Marc Guehi in the final hours of the window, with the England centre-back ultimately joining Manchester City.
£80m move for Bournemouth prospect
Teenage sensation Eli Junior Kroupi has emerged as a prime candidate to bolster the Anfield attack.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign, registering 11 Premier League goals and averaging a strike every 126 minutes.
Interest in the France Under-21 international is exceptionally high, with European heavyweights Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain reportedly monitoring his progress.
The Cherries are expected to demand a fee in the region of £80m for their prized asset.
Attacking reinforcements required
A new forward has become an urgent priority for the Merseyside club following a severe injury to Hugo Ekitike.
The former Parisian ruptured his Achilles earlier this month and faces a lengthy rehabilitation period following surgery.
Kroupi is highly unlikely to make Didier Deschamps’ senior France squad, meaning a transfer could be concluded without international disruption.
Defensive revamp under Slot
Liverpool are also monitoring Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni as they look to rebuild their defensive ranks.
Italy’s failure to qualify for the global showpiece makes the 27-year-old a highly accessible early target.
The defender’s valuation has reportedly dropped to £40m, attracting strong interest from Spanish giants Barcelona.
However, Slot hopes to hijack the deal and make a definitive statement of intent ahead of his second campaign at the helm.
