A number of Premier League clubs are set to battle between themselves over the potential signing of Bayern Munich’s Toni Kroos, report The Express.
Kroos, 24, was rumoured to be leaving Munich in the January transfer window after it looked like his contract was not going to be renewed, then when he was visibly angry at being substituted during Bayern’s 2-1 win over Stuttgart, the speculation flew into overdrive.
Manchester United and Chelsea were interested in him but now Arsenal and Liverpool are looking at the German star.
With Liverpool’s midfield crumbling and Brendan Rodgers having a lack of central players to call on, that area of the team will be improved immeasurably in the summer, and it is thought that Kroos will be one of his main targets.
Arsene Wenger may also be in need of a top class central midfielder with the partnership of Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini not looking quite as strong as it was earlier in the season. With injuries to key players Wenger may well move for Kroos as his main central midfielder next season.
With just 18 months on his contract left, Kroos is thought to want to more than double his wages from £60,000 to £150,000 per week which is probably why there has been such a hold up in negotiations.
Bayern bosses are unwilling to sanction such a pay rise, while Pep Guardiola is open to the idea of a sale.
Kroos was even left on the bench during Bayern’s 5-0 win over Frankfurt yesterday for the first time in two months.