Arsenal and Liverpool join race to sign £17 million-rated Belgian defender: Reports
Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly set to battle it out in the transfer race to snap up Club Brugge defender Maxim De Cuyper in the future.
De Cuyper, 23, has established himself as a key first-team starter for his club since returning from a two-year loan spell at KVC Westerlo. He has helped them win four trophies, including three league titles so far.
Owing to his fine performances for Club Brugge in the 2023-24 season, De Cuyper was named in Belgium national team's UEFA Euro 2024 squad. However, he failed to make a single appearance in Germany.
Now, according to The Boot Room, both Arsenal and Liverpool watched the player in action during Belgium's 2-2 UEFA Nations League draw against Italy past week. They were left impressed as the star netted his first goal in international colours in the 42nd minute of the tie.
De Cuyper, who is reportedly valued at £17 million, has bagged five goals and laid out 16 assists in 72 games across all competitions for Club Brugge. He contributed 15 goals and 12 assists in 68 total outings while on loan at KVC Westerlo between 2021 and 2023.
Ex-player reveals what Arsenal must do to beat Manchester City and Liverpool to title
Speaking to MyBettingSites.co.uk, former Gunners midfielder Gilberto Silva offered his two cents on his former club's mission to end their Premier League title-winning drought. He said (h/t Metro):
"I think that the team today is very mature, structured. When we look at the Arsenal team, the players, the team, the formation, the balance between the sectors is very well defined. It is important to go far. The signings that have been coming in have been important, with results, this also makes the whole job easier."
Urging Arsenal to perform consistently this term, Silva concluded:
"It's not just about hiring, you need to hire athletes who come in and wear the shirt and deliver results. It won't be easy, again. It is important to learn from past mistakes. In the last two seasons, they made crucial mistakes against smaller and mid-table teams, especially at home. They have to do this homework very well this season."
Mikel Arteta's side, who ended on 89 points and 84 points in the past two seasons, are third in the Premier League table. They are on 17 points from seven matches – just a point behind league leaders Liverpool.
The north London outfit will next be in action in the Premier League in their contest against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium this Saturday.
