Premier League giants go head-to-head for one of Europe’s in form strikers…
Liverpool have been linked with a January move for Greek international striker Konstantinos Mitroglou, who currently plies his trade with Olympiakos, according to The Daily Star.
The Reds will have to fight off competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal, however, who are similarly interested in the front man’s services.
Such has been the striker’s outstanding form, Olympiakos coach Jose Miguel Michel recently admitted that it’s going to be difficult for the club to keep hold of the 25-year-old.
“If he keeps on doing well, it will be hard to keep him,” he said.
“We’ve known for some time that there has been interest from many clubs, but that’s only logical considering how well he has been doing lately.”
Form wise, there aren’t many strikers in Europe playing better than Mitroglou right now. For club and country, the Greek has bagged 22 goals already this term.
As well as being prolific in his domestic league, Mitroglou’s shown he can cut it at the highest level, scoring three in his side’s Champions League group, helping Olympiakos qualify for the last 16 where they will face Manchester United.
Mitroglou is an out and out finisher. Unlike many strikers nowadays, the Greek international doesn’t have much interest in anything that occurs outside the box, and his defensive work-rate is virtually non-existent. When the ball arrives in the penalty area though, he comes alive.
He can finish with either foot, and likes to challenge for every ball in the air, but this shouldn’t take away from the fact he’s actually skilful with the ball at this feet. His feet are quick, and this combined with his stocky frame, makes him a real handful for defenders.
The two teams currently leading the Premier League table are both very happy with their first choice strikers, but could badly do with improved strength in depth. While Luis Suarez is in excellent form for Liverpool, his strike partner Daniel Sturridge is currently injured, meaning Brendan Rodgers had to adapt the Reds’ formation as a result.
Arsenal have only Olivier Giroud as a realistic top level option who can spearhead the side, with current backup Nicklas Bendtner not really could enough for a side who want to challenge domestically and in Europe.
As a result, Mitroglou would dramatically improve the squads of both Arsenal and Liverpool.
Due to their perilous financial situation, Olympiakos are rumoured to be willing to accept an offer of around £7.5m, which is well within both Liverpool’s and Arsenal’s budget.
It could well depend on which team moves for him faster when the transfer window opens, as he would likely be very keen on a move to either.
Mitroglou’s highlights:
COMMENTS