Liverpool Eye Chelsea's Malo Gusto as Alexander-Arnold Replacement

Find out why Liverpool is considering Chelsea's Malo Gusto as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold and how this ties into their strong performance this season.

Liverpool is contemplating an unexpected move to sign Chelsea defender Malo Gusto as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to reports. The Reds have made an excellent start to the new season with Arne Slot’s side currently at the top of the Premier League table after 14 matches.

Liverpool is four points ahead of second-placed Chelsea and also has a game in hand over the Blues, while a 1-0 win over Girona on Tuesday means Slot’s men also lead the Champions League group stage table. Despite his success on the pitch, Slot faces off-field issues as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold’s contracts are all expiring this summer.

Negotiations with the trio have not been successful so far, and Alexander-Arnold, who has been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester City, appears the most likely of the three to leave at the end of the season. It now emerges that Liverpool is eyeing a ‘surprise raid on rivals Chelsea in the transfer market’ for the right-back Gusto.

Liverpool could face competition from defending Premier League champions Man City for Gusto's signature, with the 21-year-old impressing in his 14 appearances this season. Chelsea, for their part, ‘have zero plans to enter into negotiations over selling Gusto, but it seems the Frenchman’s fine form has attracted serious interest.’

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock believes Conor Bradley, who has recently impressed, has the ability to step in as a ready-made replacement for Alexander-Arnold, though he has concerns about his injury record. Warnock told BetBrain: “I think Conor Bradley clearly has the capability to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold if he leaves Liverpool, but my big concern is his injury history...”

When asked who will replace Salah if he leaves Liverpool, Warnock added: “I don't have to answer who I think will replace Mohamed Salah because he will be at Liverpool! I believe the contract situation will be resolved. You can see on his face that he’s happy when he’s playing for the club, and I think he wants to get the contract signed. Even when he addressed the media, it was like ‘I don’t want to go – I want to be here!’

If he leaves, I honestly don't know where he would go. I’ve heard a few links with Paris Saint-Germain, but I don't know if they’d go down that route due to his age. I just don’t see him leaving Liverpool, and I believe he’ll stay there!”