Till last week, the interest in Monaco midfielder, Tiemoué Bakayoko, was limited to three heavyweight Premier League clubs – Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea. To make the transfer saga more appealing, what more can you do Yes, you guessed it right. Just add more clubs to the mix.

According to reports from Le 10 Sport, Liverpool and Arsenal have joined the race for the highly rated 22-year-old French midfielder. The Reds have made a concrete approach and have contacted Monaco to enquire about their asking price for the player.

Bakayoko has rapidly established himself as one of the most talented holding midfielders in Europe after joining Monaco from Stade Rennais for €6m in 2014.

The French club value the player at €25m, and are not looking to sell him in the January transfer window.

He is strong in the tackle, comfortable in possession, and is a reliable passer of the ball. Jürgen Klopp, the Reds manager, is looking to bolster his midfield options, and Bakayoko could be a good addition to the squad. With Lucas Leiva likely to leave the club, either in January or next summer, Klopp will be looking to add a solid defensive midfielder to his ranks.

Considering the strong interest the player has attracted from heavyweight Premier League clubs, it gives Monaco the opportunity to sell their star player to the highest bidder. And from past experience (Anthony Martial’s transfer to Manchester United) we know that they are bloody good at negotiating big deals.

Liverpool, apparently, are also interested in the highly talented Atalanta midfielder, Franck Kessié, but the Reds are expected to face a tough competition from Chelsea. The Reds are reportedly prepared to pay €40m for the Serie A midfielder. In that respect, Bakayoko could be a cheaper alternative.