Liverpool have already made contact over signing €100M wonderkid top clubs are desperate to sign

Liverpool are reportedly in a fierce battle with Arsenal and Manchester United to secure the signing of SL Benfica star Antonio Silva this summer.

With Joel Matip expected to leave Anfield as a free agent, Liverpool are prioritising the acquisition of a new centre-back to fill the void left by the departing defender.

Several names have surfaced as potential targets for the Reds, including Goncalo Inacio, Willian Pacho, and Levi Colwill.

However, Antonio Silva has also emerged on their radar.

Report suggest Liverpool have made contact with Antonio Silva

Caught Offside reports that Liverpool have expressed a strong interest in Silva and have already initiated talks regarding a potential summer transfer.

Reporter Mark Brus writes: "Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all had some contact over the potential transfer of Benfica wonderkid centre-back Antonio Silva, who is prioritising a move to the Premier League."

Nonetheless, the pursuit of the Portuguese defender won't be straightforward, as Benfica are demanding a hefty fee of around €100 million (£86M) for their prized asset.

Liverpool aren't the only Premier League club eyeing Silva. Both Manchester United and Arsenal are also keen on securing his services and have reportedly made contact to explore a possible deal.

Premier League Attraction

Silva is interested in playing in the Premier League, which could make a move to Liverpool, Arsenal, or Manchester United appealing.

Manchester United, who have endured a challenging campaign this season, are planning a significant overhaul of their defence.

Raphael Varane has already confirmed his departure at the end of the season, and the futures of Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, and Jonny Evans are uncertain, with potential exits on the horizon.

Similarly, Arsenal appear to be in the market for a new centre-back this summer, having been linked with several defensive reinforcements in recent weeks.

A Coveted Talent

Antonio Silva is regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world, making him a highly sought-after prospect.

His potential addition would be a substantial boost for any club, providing both quality and long-term stability in defence.

It remains to be seen which club will ultimately secure Silva's signature this summer, but the competition is fierce.

It will be very interesting to see how Arne Slot approaches his first ever transfer window as manager of Liverpool.

The good news is that the Reds already have a squad stacked with top talent with only a few areas in need of attention. Centre-back is obviously one of them given Matip's imminent contract expiry.

The Cameroonian is out of contract at the end of June and will leave on a free transfer.

Silva would be an incredible replacement but his price tag is such that it's not likely to be one Liverpool are interested in but that said, the Merseysiders did bid £111 million for Moises Caicedo last summer.

That suggests the Reds would be willing to make a massive bid for the right player.

It's really a matter of whether or not Liverpool rate Silva highly enough to pay his £86 million price tag.