Liverpool
Premier League • England
Paper Talk: Klopp eyeing three Joe Gomez replacements as suitors step up interest
Liverpool are tracking three defenders amid growing claims Joe Gomez could leave, Arsenal are ready to go against Mikel Arteta’s wishes with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while Thursday’s transfer gossip claims Chelsea are chasing a big-name PSG star.
RONALD ARAUJO TOPS LIVERPOOL LIST TO REPLACE JOE GOMEZ
Liverpool already have three potential replacements in mind for Joe Gomez amid claims the defender is leaving Anfield.
The England defender has endured a difficult time of late having sustained a serious knee injury that wrecked his 2020/21 season. Now back to fitness, Gomez has slipped down the pecking order at Anfield. Indeed, Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate are all ahead of him in Jurgen Klopp’s thinking.
As such, that has led to suggestions that a move to Real Madrid could be on the cards.
And while Klopp does not want to let Gomez leave mid-season, reports claim Los Blancos could submit a firm offer when the window opens in a few days time.
Should Gomez make the move, Klopp has learned from experience that you can never have too many central defensive options.
And the Daily Express claims the Reds already have a shortlist of three potential signings were Gomez to leave.
Top of their list of targets is Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan has become a key player for Barca since arriving from Boston River aged 19.
He has made 57 appearances in total, including 18 this term under Ronald Koeman and now Xavi Hernandez, where he’s become a key man.
However, amid their financial perils, they would be vulnerable to a sizeable offer.
Botman seen as Joe Gomez replacement
Liverpool stepping up their interest in Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo
Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their interest in signing Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, who is also a target for Chelsea.
The Reds are also keen on Lille’s Sven Botman. The Netherlands defender is well known to Van Dijk and has caught the eye in France. As a left footer, he is one player who has caught Klopp’s eye.
The 21-year-old though would not come cheap.
Liverpool are also understood to have watched Maxence Lacroix, who is pulling up trees for Wolfsburg. Another who is still only 21, he’s made 21 appearances this season having featured 36 times last.
ARSENAL PUTTING AUBAMEYANG UP FOR SALE
Arsenal will listen to offers for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January, despite Mikel Arteta’s wish to keep the striker. (Daily Express)
Chelsea are considering a £30m move for Barcelona full back Sergino Dest. (Daily Express)
Chelsea face a conundrum on whether to keep Conor Gallagher or cash in on his growing reputation, with loan coach Carlo Cudicini claiming there has been interest from abroad for his services. (Daily Express)
Ousmane Dembele is reportedly ready to go against his agent’s advice by signing a new contract with Barcelona. (Daily Express)
Arsenal wonderkid Charlie Patino is on Barcelona’s wishlist as they consider their long-term future. (The Sun)
VLAHOVIC BRANDED THE REAL DEAL
Charly Musonda is willing to play for free in a last ditch effort to stay with Chelsea. (The Sun)
The Premier League will face more furious responses from players and managers on Thursday over accusations they are putting welfare at risk with its congested festive fixtures. (Daily Telegraph)
Anthony Martial held talks over his future with Ralf Rangnick on Wednesday with the striker pushing for a move away from Manchester United in January. (Daily Telegraph)
Tottenham and West Ham fans clashed outside the stadium before their Carabao Cup quarter-final tie. (Daily Telegraph)
AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP
Liverpool may pip their rivals to the £64m signing of Erling Haaland with Mohamed Salah reportedly demanding the club bring him to Anfield. (Daily Star)
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is looking at PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe as a replacement for Antonio Rudiger at Stamford Bridge. (Daily Mail)
Brighton, Crystal Palace and West Ham are all considering moves for Eddie Nketiah, while clubs in Germany and France are also interested in the 22-year-old. (Daily Mail)
Liverpool will target a move for Porto winger Luis Diaz as cover for their Africa Cup of Nations crisis in January. (Daily Mail)
Napoli are reportedly weighing up a potential move for Everton left-back Lucas Digne. (Daily Mail)