Martin Skrtel, who has been such a prolific performer for Liverpool in the previous season, was overlooked for much of last season and now wants a move out of the club.
Brendan Rodgers has not had very smooth relations with Skertl during his short span in charge of the club and has opted for the veteran Carragher ahead of Skrtel to partner Daniel Agger in the central defence. Skrtel’s role has been reduced to the occasional cup appearances and coming on as a substitute in the late stages of the matches.
After Carragher has decided to call it a day, Rodgers was quick to act and bring in Kolo Toure from Manchester City as a replacement. The 32 year old Toure’s contract will be running out at the end of the season and the former Gunners player will join the Merseyside club on a free transfer in July.
This step of Rodgers has indicated that the gametime of Skrtel would not be increased in the next season and he would have to spend most of his time on the bench.
At this time it is reported that Arsene Wenger is willing to provide the Slovakian a lifeline and has supposedly made a bid of £12m for him. And Skrtel’s agent has also indicated that the defender is unhappy with his current club and would consider a switch if the right offer comes at his direction.
There is no doubt that despite Skrtel’s poor season, he is got what it takes to be a part of a big side and his inclusion would bolster any team’s defence. So this move of Skrtel could be fruitful for both the parties and Liverpool would also benefit from the money, which they highly need at the moment, they would receive as his fee.
But how likely is this going to happen? Well the chances are less. Knowing Wenger, who likes (or out of compulsion) to keep a thin squad and with already 3 good CB’s available, bringing in Skrtel would mean an added expense to the wage bill plus an additional headache to give equal chances and rotate his squad periodically, which Wenger is not very good at.
Adding to that, Skrtel’s agent who initially accepted that his client is unhappy at Anfield has come out and said that the defender is not ready move.
It’s not possible,’ said Csonto when asked if about a transfer.
‘Martin still has a three-year contract with Liverpool and the most likely outcome is that he remains here.’
I like Napoli and I have great respect for this club, but Martin still has a three-year contract with Liverpool and the most likely outcome is that he remains there,” said Csonto.
“Rafa and Martin spent three years together, establishing a good relationship with him, but I repeat now that this suggestion is impossible.”
Skrtel extended his contract at the beginning of last season and going by his agent’s comments it is more likely that the defender will stay at Anfield and fight for his place.
Arsenal meanwhile have been linked to selling their defensive duo Vermaelen and Sagna as various clubs have expressed their interest. It will be an interesting Summer ahead for the Gunners to look forward to as the saga of who will be their defensive unit next term continues.
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