After choosing Andoni Iraola to replace Arne Slot, Liverpool could now deal Xabi Alonso a fresh blow at his new job, having set their sights on a major Chelsea target.
Liverpool storm into race for attacking star
There’s work to be done at Anfield, but Iraola’s initial words have at least eased some concerns. The former Bournemouth boss is set to reintroduce the heavy metal band which rocked Liverpool for several years and throw out the disorganised choir which sounded the end of Slot’s reign.
It will be music to Mohamed Salah’s ears, who had that one final wish before he bowed out an undeniable club legend on the final day of the season. It will also be music to the Kop’s ears, who could only watch on as Liverpool retreated in a way they’ve not seen for over a decade.
A managerial change won’t fix every problem, though. Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes still have the task of finding several reinforcements, starting with a Salah replacement.
To that end, Yan Diomande remains the most prominent name on the Reds’ shortlist, but competition from Paris Saint-Germain could quickly leave them turning towards a Real Madrid alternative.
According to SportsBoom, Liverpool are plotting a hijack on Chelsea to sign Arda Güler this summer. Anfield chiefs are keeping an eye on the Madrid man, as they look to stand in the way of his potential reunion with former manager Alonso at Stamford Bridge.
His representatives are not closed to the idea of talks with Premier League sides, although his priority remains staying put at the Bernabeu this summer.
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Liverpool should prioritise Diomande over Guler
Dubbed “special” by Alonso, there’s no denying that Guler is talented. All it takes is one look at his goals against Bayern Munich last season to realise that. Alas, whether he’s the right profile for Liverpool is another question entirely.
The Reds lacked any real direct threat in their frontline last season and they lacked pace to match. Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isaka all preferred the ball to feet. It turned their attack extremely one-dimensional and Guler would not offer a solution to that problem.
In Diomande, they’d have a player who’s first thought is to drive at his marker with speed and ruthlessness. Add Rio Ngumoha on the other side and the Reds would suddenly have one of the best young wing pairings in the Premier League.
So, instead of splashing the cash to deny Chelsea the chance to sign Guler, they should focus everything on the RB Leipzig star in the coming months.
Read next: Liverpool set to make bid for £120m star “this week”
Ngumoha will love him: Liverpool set to make bid for £120m star “this week”
Liverpool are making strides to complete their first signing of the Andoni Iraola era.