Liverpool rivals roundup: The Reds may face competition for two reported summer targets. Arsenal is also hoping to benefit on another team’s financial problems.
The Premier League title chase will resume next week, with Liverpool aiming to reclaim pole position. The Reds are presently second, trailing Arsenal just on goal difference.
However, with the Gunners heading to the Etihad to face third-place Manchester City on Sunday, Liverpool will be hoping to capitalise. Jürgen Klopp’s side will first face Brighton at Anfield, knowing they cannot afford to lose any points.
Despite the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, Liverpool may still finish the season with a triple, but their attention will be on domestic affairs for the time being. The visit of Brighton is followed by a game against struggling Sheffield United before another trip to Old Trafford.
The first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Atalanta follows, with Liverpool facing eight games in April that could ultimately decide if the season concludes with silverware.
Liverpool.com looks around the Premier League and beyond Europe to see what’s going on with Liverpool’s opponents, with Arsenal apparently pursuing a Nottingham Forest player and Newcastle looking for defensive reinforcements.
Arsenal eyes Morgan Gibbs-White deal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could attempt to profit on Nottingham Forest’s FFP troubles by signing midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. Forest was deducted four points last week and may need to balance the books this summer.
According to the Daily Star, Arsenal is keeping an eye on Gibbs-White, who joined Forest from Wolves in 2022 and set a club record. According to reports, Emile Smith Rowe may leave to make place for the 24-year-old.
The intrigue comes as Liverpool is reportedly keeping an eye on his teammate Murillo. The Brazilian has been an outstanding performance this season, despite just joining from Corinthians a year ago. According to the Daily Mail, the Reds are one of several teams interested in the defender.
However, The Telegraph reports that Forest would struggle to keep Gibbs-White and Murillo, demanding more than $63 million (£50 million/€58 million) each for the prized combination.
According to Liverpool.com, Gibbs-White has long been a gifted player, but he has taken his game to the next level at the City Ground. It appears that he will play for one of the best Premier League sides, although it would be a challenge to unseat Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard. Forest’s financial problems are well established, and Liverpool might be among the teams to capitalize.
Newcastle keen on Gonçalo Inácio and Ousmane Diomande
Newcastle is apparently looking to recruit Sporting CP defenders Gonçalo Inácio and Ousmane Diomande, both of whom have previously been connected with Liverpool. Both have had successful seasons, with Sporting now leading Liga Portugal.
Inácio is a left-sided central defender, and Correio de Manha previously stated that the Reds were interested in him. The Liverpool ECHO also reported that Ivory Coast international Diomande had being scouted.
However, Liverpool could face competition for the pair from Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who is looking to improve his backline this summer. Despite budgetary constraints, Fichajes believes Inácio and Diomande are on the Magpies’ radar.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle would honour the duo’s release terms. Inácio will cost at least $65 million (£52 million/€60 million), and Diomande’s release clause is considerably higher at $87 million (£69 million/€80 million).
According to Liverpool.com, Liverpool is likely to recruit a central defender this summer, given Joël Matip is no longer under contract. Virgil van Dijk has only a year left on his current contract, and the Reds will soon have to start planning for life without the Dutchman. Inácio and Diomande are both extremely excellent players, and Newcastle will not be the only team competing for their services.
