'Take the next step': Agent opens door to Liverpool or Arsenal move for £17m ace after 15-assist season

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With Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all scouting him during the international break, one of Europe’s emerging defensive talents looks set to be on the move sooner rather than later.

TBR understands that the Premier League trio all scouted a man reportedly valued in the region of £17 million last Thursday.

Scoring five goals and assisting a staggering 15 more for Club Brugge in 2023/24, Maxim de Cuyper is clearly a full-back who likes to attack. Italy found that out first-hand as Belgium fought back from a 2-0 deficit in the Stadio Olimpico.

A comeback sparked by De Cuyper’s curling shot, whipped into the corner from the edge of the penalty area.

The poodle-haired 23-year-old clearly possesses the technical ability most top clubs tend to look for in the full-back areas. And while his agent would not confirm the identity of those interested parties, there appears to be a shelf life on his Club Brugge career as Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City watch Maxim De Cuyper in UEFA Nations League action.

Agent reacts as Arsenal and Liverpool scout Maxim de Cuyper

“A player like Maxim attracts a lot of interest. Without a doubt, also in Italy,” explains Axel Vergeylen, the Belgian’s agent admitting that his client has caught the eye in Serie A.

“For obvious reasons, I can’t go into the names of the interested clubs. But Serie A is certainly a big league.

“He has to go step by step. At the moment, that is at Club Brugge. And, at the right moment, he has to take the next step in his career,” Vergeylen adds. “The only goal is to reach as high as possible and play for the best possible club.”

According to reports, Club Brugge want a minimum of £17 million for De Cuyper. AC Milan were linked over the summer.

Arsenal could sell Kieran Tierney and Jakub Kiwior

Liverpool are in the market for left-sided full-backs with Andy Robertson’s 31st birthday approaching. Nordsjaelland flyer Daniel Svensson confirmed Liverpool have been following his performances closely too.

"[The transfer rumours are] great fun, of course. It's a sign that I'm doing something right and performing well," Svensson smiles. "I just take it as fuel to run on.

"It was obviously a bit surreal. It was perhaps not entirely expected that I would get to read about it I don't know much about it. I only know that [Liverpool] watched some matches and such.

"The idea is that I will move on relatively soon. I have played many seasons in Denmark and, especially [in recent times], it has gone well. I'm absolutely ready."

Manchester City, meanwhile, may feel the need to bring in a more natural left-sider. The right-footed Josko Gvardiol is currently Pep Guardiola’s first-choice on the flank.

As for Arsenal, their pursuit of De Cuyper will raise more questions over the futures of Jakub Kiwior and Kieran Tierney.

TBR understands that Arsenal’s forgotten man Tierney could return to Celtic while bench-warming Pole Kiwior is a target for Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Arsenal are looking at Palmeiras youngster Vitor Reis as well, in addition to fellow Brazilian Igor Jesus.