Chelsea and Liverpool are key contenders for a top five Premier League finish this season as both clubs bid to play in the Champions League next year, which would be an important landmark in helping them sign players in the transfer market too.
According to TEAMtalk, the Blues and the Reds are both interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion defender Luka Vuskovic, who has made a strong start to the season with the Seagulls after joining them from Tottenham Hotspur.
On Transfermarkt, he is valued at £55 million and with a long-term contract at Brighton until 2031, it is likely that any interested party will need to pay a high price for the Croatian, who is fast emerging as one of the best Premier League centre backs.
Liverpool could trump Chelsea to sign Vuskovic
Liverpool and Chelsea are in fourth and fifth position, respectively, in the Premier League standings this season and have strong chances of securing Champions League football for next season, which would help materialise interest in Luka Vuskovic.
With that said, it is likely that Liverpool will trump Chelsea to secure the Brighton & Hove Albion star’s signing as they are in serious need of defensive rebuilding and might be more willing than the Londoners to spend big money on the 19-year-old.
Given that Virgin van Dijk is ageing and there is not much depth at the back, Ronald Araujo could be signed permanently after his impressive performances, as could another defender to fill into the captain’s shoes.
Vuskovic is an excellent defender, who excels aerially, in ground duels and one-on-one situations. He reads the game exceptionally and remains on the front foot, while passing the ball with immaculate composure from the back.
After Chelsea signed Maxence Lacroix earlier this summer, their focus next year is likely to be on rebuilding the midfield and despite early interest in Vuskovic, it would be a surprise if they are ready to enter a bidding war with Liverpool for the defender.
