Marco Verratti could be available this summer (Image: Getty)
Arsenal and Liverpool FC have both been offered the chance to sign former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, according to reports.
The Italy international left the Parc des Princes last summer for Qatar, joining Al-Arabi for a fee believed to be £39million.
However, a return to Europe could be on the cards for Verratti as his entourage already appears to be attracting interest from the Premier League and Serie A.
According to HITC, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are among a number of clubs who have been told the 31-year-old could be available for a cut-price fee in the final fortnight of this summer's transfer window.
Verratti has just 12 months left on his contract with Al-Arabi and it is unclear whether he would be willing to stay in the Middle East or return to Europe if an interesting proposal were to arrive from those to whom he was “offered”.
Arsenal are looking for midfield reinforcements. Mikel Arteta's side are currently in negotiations with Real Sociedad for Mikel Merino. A deal is not yet close at this stage, although personal terms and contract length have already been agreed with the Spain international.
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Marco Verratti has one year left on his contract in Qatar (Image: Getty)
Liverpool have also identified Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi as their top midfield target. However, the Reds have been snubbed by the playmaker, who is now expected to sign a long-term contract with his boyhood club.
The Reds are now considering whether to return to the transfer market for a No.6 or put their faith in their current group of midfielders, so the opportunity to sign Verratti could come at the perfect time for Arne Slot.
Lionel Messi praised Marco Verratti while he was at PSG (Image: Getty)
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The playmaker was previously considered one of the best midfielders in Europe and was praised by the biggest names in the world of football. When he was at PSG, Lionel Messi did not fail to praise his teammate.
He said: “Marco Verratti has shown that he is a great player. One of the best in the world in his position. He was wanted in Barcelona, but now it's the other way around and I'm the one who's coming to get him in Paris.”
Countless other players have also spoken highly of Verratti before, although it remains to be seen whether he fits what Liverpool and Arsenal are looking for at this stage of the window after being offered the chance to acquire his services.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1936022/Arsenal-Liverpool-transfer-news-Marco-Verratti-Lionel-Messi