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Topics: Arsenal, Liverpool, Southampton, Transfers, Football, Jurgen Klopp, Mikel Arteta, Premier League
Joe Adams
Topics: Arsenal, Liverpool, Southampton, Transfers, Football, Jurgen Klopp, Mikel Arteta, Premier League
Liverpool and Arsenal have been urged to make a move for Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap at the end of the season.
Liverpool have suffered a dismal campaign in Merseyside and look set to miss out on Champions League football for the first time since the 2015/16 season.
As a result, Jurgen Klopp is plotting a major overhaul to his squad this summer, with plenty of faces expected to come and go through Anfield.
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Meanwhile Arsenal are in the market to strengthen their squad in preparation for a busy European schedule next season, with a Champions League spot guaranteed.
Both managers are reportedly focused on investing in their midfield. Although journalist Dean Jones has suggested the pair may look no further than German centre-back Bella-Kotchap.
While Southampton have endured a torrid campaign on the south coast, sitting rock bottom of the Premier League table, Bella-Kotchap has reached some personal milestones.
The 21-year-old recently made his debut for the Germany, coming on as a substitute during their 3-3 draw with England at Wembley in September.
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Barring a miracle, Saints will be relegated to the Championship this season, paving the way for the likes of Bella-Kotchap to move on from St Mary's.
Speaking on the defender's situation, Jones told Give Me Sport: "Bella-Kotchap’s performance levels, even in tough times they've been pretty good. Tough to know exactly who would be willing to take a punt on him, but to know just where he was at even before he came to Saints.
"Liverpool would have had an eye on him before, I don't know whether they would be looking to come back in for him, but they've been suitors before.
"Arsenal could well have a look again, knowing that they've got to probably make a signing in that area of the pitch.
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"So it will be interesting to see whether they rekindle interest.”
Bella-Kotchap has also caught the eye of European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, as per reports in Spain, suggesting a bidding war could be on the cards.
According to Transfermarkt, Bella-Kotchap is priced at a reasonable £17 million, meaning he would act as a cheaper alternative to the likes of Josko Gvardiol and Marc Guehi - both of whom have been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal respectively.