Arsenal and Liverpool braced for transfer 'poker' as race to sign 'outstanding' midfielder heats up

Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly braced for a game of transfer 'poker' as the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Jesper Lindstrom intensifies.

Arsenal are sailing away at the top of the Premier League table following an emphatic 4-1 win over Leeds on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Liverpool's Champions League hopes took a battering after they shipped four goals in a contrasting 4-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad.

But despite their differing seasons, both managers are hoping to invest in their squad this summer, with Mikel Arteta eager to strengthen his squad as he prepares for a busy European schedule next season.

Whereas Jurgen Klopp is eyeing a major overhaul, with the German keen to refresh his ageing midfield.

And the pair look set to battle it out for Lindstrom's signature, as the transfer race for the 23-year-old steps up a gear.

Arsenal and Liverpool set for transfer poker

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims that both clubs are 'highly interested' and have already been in contact with Frankfurt over a potential transfer this summer.

Frankfurt are allegedly open to letting him leave, but would expect a figure in the region of €50m (£44m)

However, Pettenberg reckons either club could land him for a discount price between €35-40m (£31m-£35m), stating that the 'poker has started'.

Lindstrom has registered nine goals and four assists in 31 matches across all competitions this season and was labelled 'outstanding' by teammate Kevin Trapp.

"Jesper is very young and came from a different league," Trapp told the Bundesliga website.

"The Bundesliga is a tougher league than the Danish league, you have to get used to it. It’s normal, and everyone in the club and the team knows that.

"Jesper has already made significant steps forward... you can see that he's an outstanding footballer and has very good technique."

Topics: Arsenal, Liverpool, Mikel Arteta, Jurgen Klopp, Football, Transfers

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno