Liverpool have reportedly abandoned their pursuit of Fluminense midfielder Andre, thus opening the door for Arsenal and Fulham.
According to This Is Anfield, Liverpool are ready to walk away from their pursuit of midfield target Andre. The Fluminense star was the subject of interest for the Merseysiders during the summer. Still, Jurgen Klopp may consider the position closed, thus paving the way for Fulham and Arsenal to make their move for the Brazilian.
Liverpool’s desperate need to shape their midfield department during the summer took them to places. Jurgen Klopp kept adding many names to his shortlist to get the best possible players as part of his midfield shake-up.
Some notable stars like Jordan Henderson and Fabinho departed for the Saudi Pro League. At the same time, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner also moved on upon the expiration of their contracts. Those exits meant Liverpool had plenty of work on their hands to bring in replacements.
Initially, they signed Alexis Mac Allister and followed that up by acquiring Dominic Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig. Klopp still needed more stars in those central positions, as Liverpool’s pursuits of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia proved futile.
As an alternative to one of those Chelsea summer signings, Klopp decided to spend on 30-year-old Wataru Endo and then wrapped up his window by acquiring Ryan Gravenberch. The duo’s arrival may have closed the need for another midfielder, at least until next summer, as the media continued to link them with a move for Andre.
Liverpool held an interest in the 22-year-old Brazilian during the summer and may have preferred to sign him then. His club, Fluminense, wanted to keep Andre for the remainder of their season, especially considering they had plenty to win, especially the Copa Libertadores.
In hindsight, their decision paid dividends, considering Andre played a crucial role in the South American showpiece Final. Fluminense beat Boca Junior in Rio De Janeiro, with his club reportedly open to discussing a move for the 22-year-old now, considering they have achieved their objective now.
Despite persistent links to Liverpool stating the Merseysiders will return to the table for the 22-year-old, their interest has waned. The Reds are no longer in the chase and are ready to walk away from the pursuit of Andre.
With Fulham entering the chase recently, it could be a significant opportunity for the Cottagers to attempt signing the midfielder. Marco Silva may have already started looking for a potential Joao Palihinha replacement, offering the 22-year-old Brazilian a route to England.
Similarly, as per reports, Arsenal had sent scouts to watch Andre as Mikel Arteta ponders a midfield addition in January. Whether they are serious about the 22-year-old remains the question, but director Edu Gaspar does have excellent connections in Brazil.
For Liverpool, they might still hold an interest in Andre, but ahead of the January window, Klopp may have other priorities over a new midfielder. The German boss would reportedly like a new centre-back and potentially a right-back as cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
