Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus this week, with some publications stating the Old Lady have made a €20m+ bid.
Despite reports emanating contrasting information, the fact remains that the Brazilian has just a year left on his Liverpool contract.
He’s played for the club since 2015, winning six trophies and scoring 98 goals for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
The formidable threesome of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Firmino has already been broken up with the former’s departure to Bayern.
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Salah has signed on, but Firmino’s future is in question - so who could the Anfield hierarchy replace such an important player with? Here are three suggestions.
Lautaro Martinez
The Argentine forward has been linked with a move away from Inter Milan for several years now, but with the Nerrazurri on the rise once more, it is difficult to see him leaving in the coming years.
The return of Romelu Lukaku may cause a few problems for Lautaro, however, as he was the main man last campaign. The Belgian’s presence may just take away from his influence a little.
In terms of Liverpool, it has been documented how much they take heed from top performances against them.
Martinez scored an absolute rocket against the Reds in Inter’s 2-1 aggregate defeat at their hands, but the Serie A side were victorious on the night.
Christopher Nkunku
One that got away for Paris Saint-Germain, the midfielder-cum-striker seriously impressed last campaign in the false nine role for RB Leipzig, in the mould of Firmino.
The 24-year-old has a £50m release clause at Die Roten Bullen, and scored 35 goals in a quite unbelievable season from the Frenchman.
He has been quoted as saying his dream would be to return to the French capital, but with the money that they’re currently funnelling into Kylian Mbappe’s, Neymar’s and Lionel Messi’s accounts, it may be a while until Nkunku is prioritised.
Cody Gakpo
The least proven of our three, Gakpo enjoyed a fantastic season in the Eredivisie for PSV Eindhoven.
The 23-year-old has a rare skillset, possessing a dominant aerial threat which isn’t seen much in wide forwards.
The Reds have already held talks with his agent according to Voetbal International.
Topics: Liverpool, Roberto Firmino, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours
Chris Stonadge