Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Inter midfielder Roberto Gagliardini ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What's the story?

According to an exclusive report from Anfield Central, the Reds are interested in signing the 27-year-old as they search for Gini Wijnaldum's replacement.

Gagliardini could be available for a reasonable price this summer as the Serie A champions need to raise money from player sales in order to stay afloat.

Aquilani 2.0

Jurgen Klopp will be looking to bolster his squad over the coming months after a hugely underwhelming 2020/21 campaign saw Liverpool surrender their Premier League crown without much of a fight.

A lack of strength in depth severely cost the Anfield outfit after they suffered injuries to key players and others lost their form, meaning added reinforcements are going to be required.

France Under-21 international Ibrahima Konate has already arrived from RB Leipzig in a £34 million deal, but the imminent exit of Wijnaldum is set to leave a significant gap in the Liverpool midfield.

The Dutch international is set to join French giants Paris Saint-Germain after five magnificent years on Merseyside, and whoever replaces the 30-year-old will have a daunting task on their hands.

Several big names have been linked with filling Wijnaldum's boots, however, a surprise candidate has recently emerged in the shape of Gagliardini.

He made 28 appearances for the Nerazzurri last season as Antonio Conte's men ended Juvestus' nine-year domination of Italian football, although half of those outings came from the bench.

The Italian international found himself playing second fiddle behind the likes of Nicolo Barella and Marcelo Brozovic as Inter surged towards the Scudetto, and his miserly 6.58 WhoScored rating indicates his contribution was rather limited when he was awarded game time.

Liverpool haven't always had the best experiences with Italian players either. Andrea Dossena, Mario Balotelli, and fellow midfield maestro Alberto Aquilani have all failed to settle with the 19-time English champions.

Gagliardini could easily follow in his compatriot's footsteps should he also make the move to the Premier League, and Klopp must avoid a potentially costly mistake over the £13.5 million rated flop.

Aquilani made just 28 appearances for the Reds after he was brought in to replace Xabi Alonso back in 2012, illustrating the dangers that can occur when trying to replace a top-class conductor.

Gagliardini has failed to establish himself as a regular in the starting XI throughout his time with Inter, showing his talent is far from comparable to that of Wijnaldum's, further emphasising the need for Klopp to look elsewhere as he aims to build another title-winning team.

It would be a huge mistake for the Reds to make a move for the Italian star.

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