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Marcelo Brozovic – introducing the Arsenal and Liverpool target

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Marcelo Brozovic is a target for both Liverpool and Arsenal. The report states that after asking about the midfielder earlier in the window, both clubs are set to return strong and it could result in a battle for the Croatian midfielder. Inter had previously priced the midfielder at €30m, but their stance may have softened in recent days due to the managerial change. Frank de Boer is set to be appointed after Roberto Mancini was sacked and he may view Brozovic as a player who can be sold to fund incomings.

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Brozovic is a tactically flexible midfielder, capable of playing a number of roles in central midfield, as well as on the right wing. He played three times for Croatia at the European Championships, but he is still early in his career, having played just 18 months outside his native country. Since moving to Inter in January 2015, he has played just under 50 times for the Italians and established himself as a first-team regular. Last season, the club had their best season since 2010/11 and Brozovic was consistent throughout, contributing four goals and five assists.

In terms of his style, his flexibility makes him a good option for both Arsenal and Liverpool. He can play in an advanced midfield role, in defensive midfield or on the wing. He has a good first touch and a passing range that allows him to open up defences with relative ease. Moreover his work rate allows him to cover the pitch efficiently and he presses well, which is why Jurgen Klopp has identified him as a target for Liverpool. The Croatian international also possesses the ability to take dangerous set-pieces, as he has shown on countless occasions at Inter.

He is perhaps best as a box-to-box midfielder in a midfield three. This gives him the opportunity to play to his strengths. He is excellent on the ball and supports the attackers well with his probing through balls. In terms of defensive contribution, he works back well and is an aggressive presser, but he can be reckless in the tackle. This has been a problem throughout his career, which makes it unwise to use him as a ball winner.

Both clubs could benefit from signing Brozovic, but Liverpool looks to be a better fit. They lack quality midfield options and need to strengthen that area this month. Gini Wijnaldum has been signed to add another option in central areas. However, he is an offensive-minded player and is more likely to be used in the advanced role of a midfield three. Emre Can is the ball winner, which leaves a spot open for a box-to-box midfielder full of energy. Brozovic would be a great fit and provide a creative influence from deep.

As for Arsenal, who predominantly play a 4-2-3-1, Brozovic would add competition for places across the midfield, but he wouldn’t improve the first eleven. Granit Xhaka, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey are better options to play in the central areas, while Mesut Ozil is utilised behind the striker. The Gunners have far more pressing issues, with both a centre-back and striker required before the window closes. They have a very good starting midfield and possess depth in that area. Although Brozovic is a great prospect, at €30m, he would be an odd signing for Wenger, considering there are obvious weaknesses in other positions.

Marcelo Brozovic is a great talent and it is thought that he could step up his level of performance from last season. He never had a defined role under Roberto Mancini and that affected the amount he could influence matches. His contribution would be likely to increase under Frank de Boer, but he may be sold if either English club stump up the asking price. Although he suits Liverpool more than Arsenal, he would cost a lot at €30m and the Reds could get a better player for that price.

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