(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sat 14 March 2026 7:45, UK

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Liverpool and Arsenal are among a number of top European clubs keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt star Nnamdi Collins ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the most promising talents in the Bundesliga, having made 28 appearances across all competitions this season.

Liverpool are keen to strengthen defensively this summer and have set their sights on the Germany Under-21 international as one of their targets.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Collins’ impressive displays for Frankfurt have attracted a lot of high-profile interest.

Arne Slot is determined to add to his back line in the summer, despite a deal for Jeremy Jacquet already being agreed, as Liverpool step up their transfer plans.

Liverpool and Arsenal race to sign Nnamdi Collins

Football Insider previously revealed that Liverpool will definitely sign a centre-back this summer, after opting against a move in the January window.

Despite having already agreed a deal for Jacquet, their lack of depth in defensive areas mean the Reds are keen to step up their interest in other targets.

Collins is not the only option on their radar, but his performances in the Bundesliga are attracting interest, with Arsenal also strong admirers.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Yeah, again, he’s a young player with huge potential, done well for Frankfurt this year, still only 22.

“He’s a Germany Under-21 international and has been linked with some big clubs. Liverpool are one, and Arsenal have also been mentioned as admirers of his.

“He can play at centre-back and also at right-back, so a number of clubs are looking at him.

“We know Liverpool are probably going to have a big overhaul in the centre of their defence.

“Frankfurt are under no pressure to sell Collins right now. They’ve made big money from selling the likes of Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike, so they’ll drive a hard bargain as well for Collins.

“So yeah, I’m sure he’s a player that’s on the list at Liverpool, but maybe not top priority right now.”

Which other defenders are on Liverpool’s radar?

Collins is not the only high-profile centre-back who is being watched by Liverpool as they aim to step up plans to strengthen Slot’s squad.

It has been an inconsistent season so far at Anfield, with the back line highlighted as a major change from last season’s title-winning campaign.

As a result, Football Insider revealed on 10 March that Liverpool are interested in Alessandro Bastoni, who is regarded as one of the best in Europe in his position.

The 26-year-old is set to be chased by several of Europe’s top clubs if he becomes available in the market ahead of next season, although he remains crucial for Inter Milan.

It will likely take an offer upwards of £80million to tempt the Italian giants to sell, making him a more expensive target than Liverpool’s other options.