Arsenal 'join Liverpool in race to sign £35m Roma defender Roger Ibanez'

Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for £35million Roma defender Roger Ibanez, according to reports.

The Brazilian centre back has enjoyed a rapid rise after forcing his way into Roma's first team during the restart of the 2019-2020 season and has now cemented his place as a regular starter.

Jurgen Klopp's side, who are currently facing a defensive injury crisis, have been linked with the 22-year-old but Calciomercato report that Arsenal have also enquired about the youngster.

Paris Saint-Germain, Leicester, Tottenham and Everton are also said to have shown an interest in Ibanez, who is valued at around £35million.

The defender joined Roma on loan from Atalanta in January with the deal running until June 2021, meaning clubs would likely have to wait until the summer to make a move for the defender.

Liverpool's need to strengthen is more urgent with Joel Matip set to be out for three weeks after he became the latest defender to pick up an injury.

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are long-term absentees which means Klopp is left with Nathaniel Phillips, Rhys Williams and midfielder Fabinho, who has been filling in at centre back.

The Reds have also been linked with Schalke's Ozan Kabak while Klopp is said to have been put off a move for Milan Skriniar because of Inter Milan's £54m price tag.

Mikel Arteta may need to strengthen his defensive options at the end of the season with David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi's contracts set to expire in the summer.

Sead Kolasinac, who is closing in on a January loan to Schalke, could also leave the club next year.

The Gunners signed Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the summer and he has partnered Rob Holding at centre back for much of the season.