Liverpool’s competitors round up: The Reds may have competition for the two summer targets that have been touted. Arsenal is also trying to take advantage of the financial problems of another team.
Next week, the Premier League title fight will resume with Liverpool attempting to reclaim first place. The only thing separating the Reds and Arsenal at the moment is goal differential.
However, Liverpool will be hoping to take advantage when the Gunners visit the Etihad on Sunday to play Manchester City, who are currently in third position. When Jürgen Klopp’s team plays Brighton in its first game at Anfield, it will be aware that it cannot afford to lose any ground.
Liverpool can still win a treble this season despite losing to Manchester United in the FA Cup, but for the time being, the team’s priorities will be domestic affairs. Brighton’s visit is followed by a match against a struggling Sheffield United, and then there’s another journey to Old Trafford.
The next match is Liverpool’s first leg of the Europa League quarterfinal versus Atalanta, which takes place in April. The outcome of these eight games could determine whether the team wins a trophy at the conclusion of the season.
Here, Liverpool.com looks across the Premier League and the continent to see what’s happening at Liverpool’s competitors. It’s said that Newcastle is looking to add defensive players, and Arsenal is apparently interested in a Nottingham Forest star.
Arsenal eyes Morgan Gibbs-White deal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could look to capitalize on Nottingham Forest’s FFP issues by making a move for midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. Forest was deducted four points last week and may have to balance the books this summer.
According to the Daily Star, Arsenal is monitoring Gibbs-White, who was a record signing for Forest when he arrived from Wolves in 2022. It is claimed that Emile Smith Rowe could leave to make room for the 24-year-old.
Newcastle keen on Gonçalo Inácio and Ousmane Diomande
Newcastle is reportedly looking to sign Sporting CP defenders Gonçalo Inácio and Ousmane Diomande, who have both previously been linked with Liverpool. The pair have both enjoyed strong seasons, with Sporting sitting top of Liga Portugal.
Inácio is a left-sided central defender and Correio de Manha reported previously that he was on the Reds’ radar. The Liverpool ECHO also claimed that Ivory Coast international Diomande had been scouted.
But Liverpool could face competition for the pair with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe eager to strengthen his backline in the summer. According to Fichajes, both Inácio and Diomande are on the Magpies’ radar, despite financial restrictions.
It remains to be seen if Newcastle will meet the duo’s release clauses though. At least $65m (£52m/€60m) will need to be paid for Inácio, while Diomande’s release clause is even higher at $87m (£69m/€80m)
Liverpool.com says: At least one central defender is likely to be targeted by Liverpool this summer, with Joël Matip out of contract. Virgil van Dijk only has a year remaining on his current deal too and the Reds do need to eventually start planning for life without the Dutchman. Inácio and Diomande are both very talented options and Newcastle won’t be the only side battling it out for their services.
