Liverpool set to miss out on long-term Van Dijk replacement

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Stade Rennais defender Arthur Theate have been dashed following reports that AS Roma are targeting a January move for the Belgian star.

Theate, 23, is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Ligue 1 and he was heavily linked with a move to Anfield during the summer transfer window.

L’Equipe reported that while Manchester City pursued a move for Jeremy Doku (a pursuit that was successful), Liverpool wanted to sign his Rennes team-mate Theate.

The 14-time capped Belgium international is left-footed and therefore would’ve been in direct competition with Virgil van Dijk for a starting spot under Jurgen Klopp, given the Dutchman has spent his entire Liverpool career playing as a left-centre-back.

However, it’s likely that Theate was being chased as a potential long-term replacement for Van Dijk as the Reds captain begins to age.

But, Liverpool may miss out on their ideal Van Dijk replacement as Roma are set to launch a January pursuit for the Rennes star as they look to sign at least one defender amid Chris Smalling’s injury issues.

According to Calciomercato, Theate is top of Jose Mourinho’s transfer wishlist and he has been identified as a priority signing for the January window.

Furthermore, their pursuit of Theate is aided by the fact he reportedly wants to return to Italy after spending the 2021-22 season on loan at Bologna.

Roma also want Man Utd target Guirassy

In addition to Theate, Mourinho’s side are also hoping to sign Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy, who has attracted interest from Manchester United following his electric start to the 2023-24 season.

The Guinea forward has 17 goals and two assists in just 12 appearances so far this campaign, while he has failed to score in just two games since the new season began.

Romelu Lukaku is currently Roma’s first-choice number nine – with Tammy Abraham out injured – but he is only on loan at the club and a permanent move may prove too expensive for the Italian side, depending on Chelsea’s asking price.

As a result, they have targeted a move for Guirassy, according to Calciomercato, who is available for a bargain fee in January, due to his €17 million release clause.