Liverpool eye midfield overhaul with double raid on Serie A and Forest

Liverpool are gearing up for a major midfield reconstruction come summer, with insiders suggesting the Reds are ready to invest heavily in reshaping their engine room.

After expectations of significant progress following a summer spend exceeding £400m, things have proven disappointing on the pitch. The arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike have failed to deliver the expected uplift, leaving Arne Slot's outfit languishing in sixth place in the Premier League.

Last season's midfield proved the club's strongest asset as they claimed the title, yet this campaign has seen performers like Alexis Mac Allister struggle to replicate their previous standards.

According to reports from a well-regarded account on social media comprised of five respected journalists, Liverpool are zeroing in on Inter Milan's Nicolò Barella and Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White as their primary midfield targets. A source close to the club has indicated the club wants a "full reset" in that department.

The Nerazzurri are believed to be seeking around €70m (£61m) for Barella, whilst Forest are reportedly holding out for approximately £70m for Gibbs-White – though that valuation could shift downwards should the East Midlands side drop out of the top flight.

However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has suggested Liverpool's immediate focus extends beyond midfield reinforcement. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he indicated the club will be particularly active in the wide areas, with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Salah and Gakpo's situations creating a pressing need for fresh attacking talent.

"For Liverpool, I think it's going to be a busy summer for wingers," Romano explained. "It's very clear that Liverpool need to reinforce their wingers – the situation with Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo. I think in general, Liverpool need to add something fresh in that position."

On the possibility of landing Bayern Munich's Michael Olise, Romano poured cold water on any realistic hopes. He noted Bayern's contentment with their prized winger and their unwillingness to entertain negotiations, with no release clause currently in place to facilitate any potential departure.

"Liverpool appreciate Olise, yes for sure, but who doesn't appreciate Olise?" Romano added. "At the moment, that's the story. Bayern are very happy with the boy, there is no release clause in his contract now, and so the situation remains under control for Bayern. I think the realistic targets for Liverpool will be others."