14 Jun 2016

Sign for Liverpool? 'Terrific' powerhouse attacker hailed by Klopp can leave for £12.5m

In May 2015, Liverpool were linked with a move for Stoke City winger Marko Arnautovic, a player admired by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. Arnautovic reportedly wants out to leave Stoke this summer, and if the Reds reignite interest (which is entirely possible), the Austrian international is reportedly available for a surprisingly fair transfer fee.

According to Sky Sports on Monday:

"Stoke have slapped a £12.5m transfer fee on contract rebel Marko Arnautovic. The 27-year-old has turned down Stoke’s contract offer...and is angling for a move to a top six club".

In his pre-Stoke press conference in January, Klopp single out Arnautovic for specific praise:

"Marco Arnautovic has made really good development. I know him from Germany - he’s a big talent, and now everyone can see how strong he can be".

Jamie Redknapp is also a fan of Arnautovic, and in a recent column for the Daily Mail he enthused:

"Arnautovic is a terrific player and...the best thing about him this season is that he’s learned to find the target".

Arnautovic grabbed 18 goals/assists in 40 games last season (one every 183 mins), which is a decent return for a £12m-rated player. Granted, he wouldn't be a 'sexy' signing, but the reality is that Arnautovic is a realistic, achievable target, and with no European football on the table, this level of player is (arguably) the best LFC can hope for this summer.

On the plus side, Like Andriy Yarmolenko, Arnautovic is tall (6'3) and strong, and he'd be a marked (and welcome) contrast to the smaller attackers who are regularly bullied off the ball for Liverpool. One thing's for sure: I'd rather see Liverpool spend £12.5m on Arnautovic than £40m on Sadio Mane.

A viable target?



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