Arsenal, Liverpool meet £28million release clause for controversial star

According to reports emanating from Germany, Arsenal and rivals Liverpool have both agreed to cough out the €32m payout clause for Hoffenheim midfielder Kerem Demirbay.

Hot prospect

Kerem Demirbay has been labelled as one of the leading midfielders in the Bundesliga over the past few seasons, with both Arsenal and Liverpool tipped as having agreed to pay the release clause in his contract.

The German publication also cites AC Milan, Everton, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke as having shown an interest in the midfielder, who has been capped on two occasions by Germany.

New deal last season

The player only penned a new contract with Hoffenheim last campaign – but reportedly contained a moderate release clause of only €32million. Bild suggests both Arsenal and Liverpool have been in discussions with the player’s representative and have both shown their willingness to pay the fee.

The 24-year-old midfielder could emerge as Emre Can’s replacement in the middle of the pack for Liverpool should the German, expectedly; agree to sign for Juventus on a free move this summer. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, is thought to want the German to replace Swiss star Granit Xhaka in the Arsenal midfield.

The Germany midfielder injured his ankle ligaments in a 1-1 draw against Hertha Berlin at the weekend.