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Liverpool’s transfer plans have been dealt a double blow, with Joe Gomez reportedly in talks over a potential exit just as the Reds pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi faces setbacks.
The Reds have tracked the defender throughout the summer but, until this weekend, had yet to follow up their interest with a concrete proposal. On Saturday, Liverpool saw a $47 million offer turned down, with Crystal Palace insisting on an upfront $47 million fee plus an additional $7 million in performance-related add-ons.
According to the Independent, Liverpool and Crystal Palace are said to be $13 million apart on the England international. Guehi is entering the final year of his contract with the FA Cup winners, leaving Palace at risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Despite that, manager Oliver Glasner insisted this week that the defender “has to” remain at Selhurst Park, stressing it would be “almost impossible” to secure a replacement of equal quality.
The England international has previously drawn interest from Newcastle and Tottenham — the Magpies lodging four bids last summer and Spurs tabling an offer in January — but if a move materialises now, Anfield appears the most likely destination.
To complicate matters further, Gomez is understood to be in discussions about a possible move away from Anfield. The 27-year-old, who has spent a decade at the club, has found consistent playing time harder to come by and could be exploring new opportunities elsewhere.
According to Sky Italy, Gomez has emerged as a target for AC Milan, who view the Liverpool centre-back as an alternative to Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji.
The Rossoneri are prioritising a $18 million move for the Swiss defender but are also considering Gomez and Villarreal’s Juan Foyth.
Milan have now submitted an official bid to Liverpool for Gomez, with negotiations over a permanent transfer already underway. Gomez is expected to be allowed to leave Anfield if Liverpool secure the signing of Guehi.
Back in June, the 28-year-old suggested he envisioned his future at Anfield, sharing his thoughts in a post on Instagram. "Ten years ago as a kid moving from south east London to Liverpool, I couldn’t even imagine looking this far into the future" said Gomez.
“Looking back now I’m full of gratitude & take so much pride in being a part of this club and city. No denying the challenges along the way, but embracing them to grow as both a player and a person is something I’ve always tried to do & I’m grateful for all the support in trying to do that.
“It’s been a blessing to be a part of the different dressing rooms and getting to create such special memories over the years with so many great players & staff.
“I felt it was important to share my thanks to you all for the support throughout the years, it’s always meant the world and I will never take it for granted. A decade in red… and still hungry to keep going."
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