Liverpool set to rival Arsenal for Mikel Arteta’s top summer transfer target

Liverpool are planning to strengthen their midfield in the summer and have been urged to sign Arsenal target Declan Rice while also offloading several of their current stars.

Danny Murphy believes Liverpool should compete with Arsenal for Declan Rice this summer, and he also believes the Reds should reshape their midfield.

The Merseyside club has had a disappointing season so far, with a place in the top four looking far from certain. They chose not to sign a marquee midfielder in the summer, instead signing Darwin Nunez for a club-record fee, which has been blamed for their poor form.

Several of the men in the park are getting older, and a new injection has been recommended. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are both likely to be available. Arsenal is thought to be interested in the West Ham player, but Murphy believes Liverpool should also be involved.

Jurgen Klopp has previously mentioned the financial disparities between Liverpool and some of their rivals, but offloading players can raise funds, and Murphy believes James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all have uncertain futures.

“I think it would be stupid of me not to be shocked and surprised at how far they’ve gone backwards in such a short space,” he told talkSPORT. We’re talking about a team that came close to completing the quadruple last season. They don’t look at it, and they don’t appear to have many legs or hunger.

“Of course, they’re missing players, but they had some of those players at the start of the season and the results were the same. I believe a rebuild is required, with players leaving and new ones coming in.

“Alex Oxlade Chamberlain’s contract is up, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Naby Keita left. I’m not sure James Milner will stay for another year, and even if he does, he won’t be playing much – that’s three midfielders potentially leaving. The midfield needs to be refreshed, and I would love to see Bellingham come in because he is exactly what Liverpool requires.

“However, I believe they require more than one. Bellingham and Rice are my picks. I’d try to get both of them. So why not? Go all-in on two big signings rather than four or five. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham walking into Thiago’s midfield… that’s exciting.”

Rice has long been linked with a move away from the Hammers, where he has flourished in recent seasons. Their struggles, combined with the player’s desire to win trophies, could lead to a split, provided the club gets the price they want, but there will almost certainly be plenty of competition for his services.