A round-up of the latest Liverpool news as the Reds consider a surprise decision about Federico Chiesa and Arne Slot lands an update about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future.
Rio Ferdinand backs Liverpool ‘100%’ to beat Arsenal in the Premier League
The Premier League title race hots up on Sunday as early leaders Liverpool travel to Arsenal. Arne Slot will hope to avenge Jurgen Klopp after the Reds endured a 3-1 defeat on their trip to Emirates Stadium last season. And Rio Ferdinand backs Liverpool ‘100%’ to claim the win.
Ferdinand is convinced that Liverpool will remain atop the Premier League table as Slot’s XI are in strong form and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are not. The Gunners are even facing an injury crisis with Riccardo Calafiori joining Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard in having treatment.
Arsenal also suffered a shock 2-0 defeat away to AFC Bournemouth last time out in the top-flight to leave the north Londoners four points adrift of Liverpool. The Reds, meanwhile, are on a four-match winning streak and Ferdinand will be surprised if Slot cannot take it to five.
“I think on form, momentum, I would say 100 per cent Liverpool,” Ferdinand explained on TNT Sports. “I think they’re the team you look at and think they’re in a better position.
“In terms of injuries, Arsenal seem decimated and they haven’t got the momentum at the moment. So, they’re not firing on all cylinders, they’re not the Arsenal of last season.”
Liverpool feel Real Madrid target Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave for free
Liverpool increasingly feel they have ‘close to zero chance’ of convincing Real Madrid target Trent Alexander-Arnold to agree to sign a new contract. That is according to CaughtOffside, which reports that the Reds are losing belief, despite tabling a big salary to the 26-year-old.
Alexander-Arnold could walk away from Anfield for free next summer with his existing terms expiring on June 30. Merseyside chiefs are beginning to feel it may be a foregone conclusion he will leave, too. Real Madrid are even as confident about signing Alexander-Arnold as ever.
The Galacticos are starting to sense Alexander-Arnold is ready to commit to a Bosman move next summer following positive talks between Real Madrid and Liverpool’s vice-captain. Los Blancos have forged on with their quest in recent weeks with a deal possible from January 1.
While Alexander-Arnold would not be able to join Real Madrid in a free transfer before July 1, the Santiago Bernabeu natives could sign him to a pre-contract as soon as the January sales start. So, Liverpool risk losing the right-back and having to judge Conor Bradley’s readiness.
Liverpool consider sending Federico Chiesa back to Serie A on loan in January
Liverpool sealed what seemed to be a bargain transfer at the end of the summer window as Federico Chiesa joined from Juventus for an initial £10m, rising up to £12.5m after potential add-ons. But the move is yet to pay off with the 26-year-old playing just 78 minutes thus far.
So, Calciomercatio.it reports that Liverpool are now considering sending Chiesa back over to Serie A in January. The Reds may accept a ‘symbolic’ compensation fee to loan the Italy ace to an Italian top-flight team for the rest of this season for him to earn regular minutes again.
The Anfield club would also continue to cover the bulk of Chiesa’s salary for a Serie A side to afford his loan deal. Liverpool feel the Italian top-flight being less physically demanding than the Premier League could help Chiesa, having only featured three times under Arne Slot yet.
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