Jurgen Klopp and his team must now turn their attention to Premier League action to find a quick fix for Saturday’s test against Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s men currently sit top of the table after 17 games, just one point behind second-placed Liverpool. A win for Klopp’s side would guarantee them top spot on December 25 and ensure Aston Villa’s goal difference doesn’t change significantly (though not necessarily against Sheffield United).
Liverpool failed to win against the Gunners the last time the two sides met at Anfield. Goals from Salah and Roberto Firmino saw Klopp’s men pull a point back after going 2-0 down at half-time. But the team has changed quite a bit since then.There will be no new additions until this game, but the question is whether Klopp will stay or move on in January. As games against Arsenal, Burnley and Newcastle United approach, here’s Liverpool.com’s assessment of the transfer gossip surrounding the Reds today. Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)Liverpool have joined Chelsea in their bid to sign Italian Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan, according to Fichajes. The 26-year-old has been one of Serie A’s best in recent seasons and was the main reason Inter reached the Champions League final in 2022/2023. However, interested clubs could face strong opposition from Simone Inzaghi. Inter are currently leaders in Serie A and are looking to sign Barella on a new long-term deal at the San Siro. Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United are all pushing for the player, who is currently valued at around $82 million on Transfermarkt.
Liverpool have invested heavily in midfield this summer with the signings of Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch Alexis McAllister and Dominic Szoboszlai, all of whom will provide competition for Barella in the center of the pitch. With players like Thiago Alcantara not ruled out of the squad, Liverpool would be better off investing their money in other parts of the squad such as defence. Gonzalo Inacio (Sporting)Portuguese giants Sporting Club de Portugal are ready to accept Liverpool’s initial bid of $49 million for defender Gonzalo Inacio in January, according to AS.
The Reds have been heavily linked with a defensive boost, with Inacio’s name repeatedly linked with a move to Anfield since the summer transfer window. However, Jurgen Klopp’s side are trying to match the original asking price after it was previously claimed that Liverpool were unwilling to pay the player’s $65m asking price. Liverpool can now offer $49 million to sign the Portuguese defender in January, with another $16 million in add-ons in the future.
A goalless draw with Manchester United was an ugly setback, but the Reds beat West Ham United 5-1 on Wednesday night to keep their hopes of a fourth point alive in the new year. Liverpool advanced to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after winning at Anfield thanks to goals from Curtis Jones, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Dominic Szobosleigh.
