Liverpool are serious about bringing Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, with teams from the Premier League and Serie A chasing the young centre-back.
According to FC Inter News, Giovanni Leoni is a serious target for Liverpool, with Arne Slot eager to address his defensive setup with a few key additions. The Merseysiders could face big competition for the Parma defender, with teams from Serie A and the Premier League targeting the centre-back.
Parma will be delighted with their reaction to Giovanni Leoni’s performances from last season and tying him down to a long-term contract. The Serie A side handed the defender a contract extension in February of this year, and they were right to do it, considering the level of interest the defender is generating this summer.
Liverpool had been linked with Leoni earlier, and now they appear to be serious about signing the 18-year-old Serie A defensive wonderkid. Leoni played 17 times in the league for Parma, as new boss Carlos Cuesta will view him as an integral part of the system moving forward.
Liverpool are very short at the back, particularly in the central positions behind Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. They have seen at least two bids rejected for Marc Guehi by Crystal Palace, and while the England international would be a solid addition, the Merseysiders will need at least two new centre-backs, considering Joe Gomez suffered an injury in pre-season.
Meanwhile, they are serious about Leoni and would have to make a big effort to sign the 18-year-old Serie A defensive wonderkid. The price tag from Parma remains unclear at this point, as Arne Slot might view Leoni as a depth option to his system, as there will be doubts the current first-choice stars can take on an entire season, given the number of games available to play.
Liverpool will face Giovanni Leoni competition
Liverpool are not alone in the race, as the report focuses on the interest from Serie A giants AC Milan and Inter Milan. The former sold Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United and could use the cash to fund a move for the 18-year-old Serie A defensive wonderkid, while Inter Milan are generally looking to refresh their defensive setup under new boss Christian Chivu.
West Ham are also keen on the defender, while Tottenham have held a strong interest in Leoni, as those London sides are preparing to add quality depth to their backline. The idea of investing in the 18-year-old Serie A defensive wonderkid might seem like a smart decision, although, should Liverpool enter the race in a big way, they might find themselves at the front of the queue.
