MX23RW : Saturday, January 18 05:01:44| >> :120:11828:11828:

Liverpool transfer news: Reds 'tracking the progress' of Premier League right-back as possible Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement

Liverpool 'tracking the progress' of potential Alexander-Arnold replacement
© Imago
Liverpool are reportedly tracking the progress of Chelsea's Malo Gusto, shortlisting him as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool have reportedly shortlisted Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto as an audacious replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold is still yet to sign a new contract at Anfield, with his current deal up in the summer, and Real Madrid believed to be plotting a move for the homegrown talent.

Arne Slot does already have a potential replacement in his squad in young Conor Bradley, who has proven capable of stepping up to the plate when required since his breakthrough last season.

Not signing a replacement if Alexander-Arnold was to leave would leave them short in full-back areas though, considering the club are also believed to be looking to add a left-back in the market too.

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto in action in September 2024.© Imago

Liverpool identify Gusto as Alexander-Arnold replacement?

When fit, Gusto has been a regular for Chelsea this season under Enzo Maresca, making 13 Premier League appearances so far.

The persistent injury issues suffered by Reece James has allowed plenty of opportunities to come Gusto's way in the first team since he arrived from Lyon in 2023.

However, Football Insider claim that Liverpool will not be deterred by the fact Chelsea are currently a direct title rival, and will seek to pursue a deal for Gusto if Alexander-Arnold was to depart.

The report states that Liverpool have been tracking Gusto's progress this campaign, after he quickly established himself as a Premier League regular last season.

In just 27 appearances, Gusto registered six assists, and has been part of the squad that has lifted Chelsea up into second under Maresca this time around.

Malo Gusto of Chelsea during the Premier League match on August 31, 2024© Imago

Would Gusto be open to an Anfield move?

With the ability to play on either flank in defence, Gusto's head might be turned by the fact that he is not first choice when Chelsea have a fully-fit squad available.

Captain James would expect to return to the starting XI when fit, while at left-back, Marc Cucurella has blossomed into the player that Chelsea spent so much on from Brighton & Hove Albion.

If Alexander-Arnold was to leave, that would provide the opportunity for a right-back to come and play regular Premier League and Champions League football, as long as they can keep Bradley out of the side.

Gusto will be eyeing up a spot in France's 2026 World Cup squad at the end of next season, so the prospect of playing every week would be even more enticing.

The 21-year-old currently plays in the France Under-21 set up, but will have his eyes set on challenging Barcelona's Jules Kounde for the starting berth in Didier Deschamps's side.

ID:560875:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5543:
Written by
Andrew Delaney

Trent Alexander-Arnold future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Malo Gusto

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea's Josh Acheampong pictured on February 8, 2024
Read Next:
Saga over! Chelsea announce decision over academy star's future
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool20145148202847
2Arsenal21127241192243
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest21125430201041
4Newcastle UnitedNewcastle21115537221538
5Chelsea21107441261537
6Manchester CityMan City2110563829935
7Aston Villa2110563132-135
8Bournemouth219753225734
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2171043229331
10Fulham217953230230
11Brentford218494037328
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd217592629-326
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham217592741-1426
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs21731143321124
15Crystal Palace215972328-524
16Everton203891526-1117
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2144133148-1716
18Ipswich TownIpswich2137112037-1716
19Leicester CityLeicester2135132346-2314
20Southampton2113171347-346


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!