Liverpool have tabled an offer for Villarreal star Yeremy Pino, according to reports from Spanish outlets Radio Castellon and Esport Base.
The Reds are reportedly set to battle Premier League rivals Arsenal for the 19-year-old’s signature after Mikel Arteta’s side intensified their own 'interest' earlier this week - potentially forcing a similar situation to when Tottenham approached Luis Diaz in January. Earlier this week, Spanish journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez reported that both sides had a bid of €40million ‘on the table’.
Pino enjoyed a breakthrough campaign for the Yellow Submarine, scoring six goals - including four in one game against Espanyol in February - and adding four assists in 31 league games and helping the Spanish outfit to the Champions League semi-finals, where they were knocked out by Liverpool.
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His exploits have attracted interest from across Europe, but it is the Reds alongside Arsenal who are said to be battling it out. But while both have reportedly tabled bids around £33.8million, it remains far short of the teenager’s £67.5million release clause and some way off Villarreal’s apparent €60million (around £51million) valuation.
The La Liga side’s financial situation - rather, the entirety of La Liga’s financial situation - means they are open to selling any of assets at the right price, but Pino is one of the brightest talents to come through the academy and those in charge at El Madrigal know all too well his value.
There is also said to be an understanding within the winger’s camp that Villarreal remains the best place to develop and, still just 19, there is no rush to make the step up to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Whether the Reds move for Pino now or in future windows remains to be seen, but the Spaniard fits the profile of recent incomings as Jurgen Klopp continues his attempts to re-balance an ageing squad. Darwin Nunez only turned 23 shortly after arriving at Anfield for an initial £64million, while teenage duo Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay were bought as much for the future as for now.
Pino’s 2027 contract and significant release clause makes a move this summer unlikely, especially given Mohamed Salah’s contract extension and the need - if anything - for reinforcements in midfield. But the January arrival of Diaz from FC Porto proves the club will act decisively and ahead of schedule if necessary, in that case pipping Spurs to the Colombian winger instead of waiting until summer.
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