FANTASTIC SIGNING: Liverpool beat Arsenal to battle to sign "next Erling Haaland"

Liverpool and Arsenal to battle to sign "next Erling Haaland"

Liverpool and Arsenal are both set to pursue Norwegian wonderkid Andreas Schjelderup.

According to Clacio Mercato, the two English sides are monitoring the young striker, who is currently valued at around £17.5 million by Nordsjaelland.

The report suggests that Sevilla have already had a bid of £3.5 million rejected, but more bids are expected from a host of European clubs that are interested in the 18-year-old.

The starlet’s current deal runs until the summer of 2024, meaning that the Norwegian giants may be forced to sell next summer if Schjelderup refuses to put pen to paper on a new contract.

Since the emergence of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Norway has been looking for its new up and coming star, and Schjelderup has been dubbed as the man who could fulfil that role.

The Norway under-21 international began his career at Bodo/Glimt, before making the move to Nordsjaelland in 2020.

He has netted five times in his first ten appearances already this campaign, and 12 times in his professional career thus far, despite only turning 18 in June.

This early season form has attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, both of whom are said to have been watching him for some time now.

While a move to Arsenal may be attractive to Schjelderup due to Norwegian compatriot Martin Odegaard, he may be convinced by the opportunity of playing under Jurgen Klopp and in the Champions League.

With the likes of Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino ageing, the Reds may be on the hunt for long-term options in their forward line, and acquiring someone of Schjelderup’s profile before he is valued at a higher price would be a smart strategic move.

The focus for Jurgen Klopp in next summer’s window will undoubtedly be on rebuilding his ageing midfield department, with Jude Bellingham being heavily reported as the primary target, but there will need to be some contingency plan for when Firmino departs on a free transfer and for when Salah starts declining.