Liverpool and Arsenal urged to take a 'punt' on Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap

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.

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.

What did he say?

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.

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.

"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.

Topics: Arsenal, Liverpool, Southampton, Transfers, Football, Jurgen Klopp, Mikel Arteta, Premier League

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