Liverpool gain ground on Arsenal in race for Bilel Hassaini

Reports originating from France claim that Liverpool have overtaken Arsenal in the pursuit of AS Nancy’s Bilel Hassaini (18).

The France Under-17 international (above right) is available on a free transfer and Liverpool scouts have been sniffing around him. Arsenal, however, have been favourites to secure his signature, until now.

Despite only featuring in the French 2nd Division, Hassaini – a highly-rated attacking midfielder – is attracting interest from a number of European giants, which obviously excludes the likes of Everton but includes the likes of Barcelona, PSG, Juventus and ourselves.

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The left-footed youngster, who can be deployed across a front three or just behind the main striker, is seen as a star of the future.

Reds’ boss Jürgen Klopp has, according to Melwood sources, described him as a “superb talent”, having watched multiple scouting videos of him over the last year.

Arsenal are yet to make formal offer but sources close to AS Nancy claim that Liverpool have made a formal approach regarding the player.

AS Nancy would be due compensation if Liverpool could conclude a deal.

Despite the positive reports and claims, we’re not convinced at the present time that Liverpool have made a formal offer for Hassaini but one could follow.

More on Hassaini and other transfer snippets, opinion and discussion can be found on our members’ website.