Liverpool already have two major advantages over Arsenal in Andre Trindade transfer ‘battle’

Arsenal have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race for midfielder Andre Trindade.

According to Spanish media outlet Fichajes, the Gunners are ‘willing to take bold steps’ to secure the Fluminense midfielder’s services and are willing to sell to players to fund a move.

Indeed, it’s looking likely that Andre will depart Flu at the end of the Brazilian season. Yet they have a little matter of a Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors on 4 November to negotiate first. Fluminense’s ambitions of winning the biggest prize in South America for the first time is why they were steadfast the 22-year-old was not allowed to depart during the Europan summer transfer window.

Liverpool were in the market for a new defensive midfielder after the exits of Fabinho, James Milner and Jordan Henderson - as well as Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - but their pursuit of Andre was effectively a non-starter. Instead, they opted to recruit Wataru Endo from Stuttgart to shield the defence before Ryan Gravenberch signed on deadline day from Bayern Munich.

In truth, it’s scarcely a surprise that Andre is reportedly now highly coveted. Newcastle United have also been linked with a move. This campaign, Andre has made a total of 50 appearances, scoring one goal, and has been capped twice for Brazil.

Fluminense president Mario Bitterncourt confirmed earlier this year that Liverpool’s top brass had been in touch in regards to Andre. He said: "The chief executive of Liverpool contacted me directly. And I replied to him: 'My friend, I don't sell a player now and I don't deliver now. If you want to buy now to take in January, we can start talking, or if you want to wait until December and we talk in December'.

"Saying this firsthand, we didn't receive a proposal for him, only surveys for Andre. We chose not to sell him because we believed that we would reach the final stages of the Libertadores. It was a decision made with sporting criteria."

Perhaps Liverpool’s interest put Arsenal and Newcastle on red alert. The pair’s respective recruitment teams may have decided to conduct their own due diligence on Andre with the Reds keen.

Given that Liverpool have already put in the groundwork, that could give them a key boost. Whether it was CEO Billy Hogan or sporting director Jorg Schmadtke who made contact with Fluminense is unclear. However, in truth, it’s likely that Andre’s agent has already been informed of the Reds’ admiration - and briefed on how he’d fit into Jurgen Klopp’s system.

What’s more, Andre should also be aware that Liverpool require a long-term No.6. It was a remit that Fabinho filled for the five years he spent at Anfield and was the linchpin as the Reds claimed six major trophies - including the Premier League and Champions League. This season, it’s been Alexis Mac Allister filling the role. However, the World Cup winner with Argentina’s attacking qualities have so far been quelled and while he’s been happy to plug the gap, he’ll harbour ambitions of operating in a more attacking position.

Endo, meanwhile, has had scant opportunity so far. He’s made eight appearances to date, with only one of those a Premier League start. In the previous two top-flight matches, Endo has been an unused substitute. Meanwhile, he turns 31 in February.

Stefan Bajcetic displayed promise in abundance last season yet has been hit by injury problems since being forced to undergo an adductor operation in March. Klopp may also have designs on having two holding midfielders competing for rotation purposes.

As things stand, Arsenal already have £105 million signing to fill the role of policing the engine room. While he played in a more advanced position during the Gunners’ 2-2 draw against Chelsea, plenty would concur that he’s best suited to sitting in front of the back four. In Liverpool’s side, however, there is currently a vacuum.

The Copa Libertadores will be watched by millions in South America. And this year’s renewal may attract Kopites and Gooners alike to get a glimpse of Andre.