Arsenal and Liverpool could go head to head for the signing of Southampton defender Dejan Lovren, FootballDirectNews.com understands. Reports today suggest that the Reds are keen to land the impressive Croatian centre-back, who only just signed for the Saints this season, in the upcoming summer transfer window, though an Arsenal insider has revealed that the Gunners are also tracking him. Lovren was one of several impressive signings by Southampton last summer, joining from Lyon alongside the likes of Victor Wanyama and Pablo Osvaldo, all of whom had also been linked with bigger clubs. Liverpool were reportedly keen on Lovren at the time, and will now look to renew their interest in the 24-year-old as they seek defensive reinforcements for next season, though Arsenal are also keen to strengthen at the back. Arsene Wenger faces the prospect of losing Thomas Vermaelen, who is being linked with a number of clubs after falling out of favour at the Emirates Stadium, and Lovren could provide better competition to Arsenal’s first choice pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny in the centre of defence. I’ve heard Wenger’s looking at Lovren at Southampton, a club source revealed. “Top clubs have looked at him before, and he’s really impressed in the Premier League this season. “

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