The latest Liverpool news and transfers as Ian Wright shares Dominik Szoboszlai verdict – in addition to reports of ‘interest’ in Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Liverpool are top of the Premier League and unbeaten in the Champions League. Their new head coach, Arne Slot, could not have asked for a better beginning to life at the Anfield helm, but his biggest tests are still to come.
Arsenal are the latest challengers on Sunday afternoon, with the Reds preparing to make a trip down south to the capital. Mikel Arteta’s side are facing issues with injuries mounting and suspension for star defender, William Saliba.
Anthony Taylor will be the referee for that showdown, a matter of months after he was in the middle for their 3-1 defeat in north London. Ibrahima Konate was sent-off in Jurgen Klopp’s final meeting with the Gunners as a mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson allowed Gabriel Martinelli to swing the game in Arsenal’s favour.
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Slot will speak with the press on Friday, just days after Liverpool moved on to maximum points in the Champions League, thanks to Darwin Nunez’s first-half strike against RB Leipzig. Here, we take a closer look at the latest news and headlines doing the rounds at Anfield and beyond;
Ian Wright casts Dominik Szoboszlai doubts
Ex-Premier League striker Ian Wright has raised doubts over Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungary captain continues to divide opinion as the new Liverpool head coach mulls over his best midfield trio.
Curtis Jones shone in the absence of Alexis Mac Allister against Chelsea, after the Argentine was only fit enough to make the bench after his illness – while Szoboszlai continues to occupy a starting line-up spot. Ryan Gravenberch is another midfielder who became a key member of Slot’s side, during the infancy of the former Feyenoord manager’s tenure, and with that midfield debate raging on Wright has cast his suspicions over the 23-year-old.
He said on the Stick to Football Podcast: “No-one expected this from [Ryan] Gravenberch, and then Curtis Jones, he’s gone supernova. “[With] Szoboszlai, I’m not seeing that, in his performances… I think the form of Gravenberch and Curtis Jones is really taking it to another place.”
Liverpool to go head-to-head with Arsenal for Mohamed Salah replacement
The future of Mohamed Salah continues to dominate the landscape around Liverpool. The Egypt superstar will be into the final six months of his contract at the turn of the year, allowing for clubs overseas to enter in pre-contract negotiations before he leaves as a free agent.
Federico Chiesa signed this summer after the Reds capitalised on his bargain price, Luis Diaz has enjoyed a strong start on the wing and Cody Gakpo has, seemingly, found a place on the left – following his experiment as a central striker under Klopp. A supposed target who doesn’t appear to be going away is Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
According to TBR Football, Arsenal and Liverpool are leading the race for the Georgian. Doubts are rising over his future at the Italian side – after courting rumoured interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. In the report, the outlet claims that as well as on the pitch, both of the Premier League title chasers could go head-to-head for him.
Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also in the picture – it’s been reported. With three years remaining on his deal, Antonio Conte’s side are likely to look for a lofty fee.
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