Liverpool and Arne Slot will soon have the opportunity to strengthen their squad as they look to challenge in the Premier League, Champions League and beyond after the turn of the year
After a rare slip-up in the Premier League, Liverpool have an opportunity to push their cause towards winning a first trophy under Arne Slot on Wednesday evening.
The Reds take on Southampton looking to navigate their way into the semi-final of the Carabao Cup. Slot will hope to retain the trophy that Jurgen Klopp ended his Anfield tenure with.
The Reds have enjoyed an impressive start to life under the Dutchman, and saw little change in their squad over the summer. In just two weeks time, Slot will be afforded another opportunity to leave his mark when the January transfer window opens however.
With that said, Mirror Football looks at some of the latest stories surrounding Liverpool.
Chiesa returns
Federico Chiesa was Slot’s lone arrival in the summer and the Italian has scarcley featured due to injury and fitness issues. The winger will make it onto the pitch this evening however, Slot confirmed.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot said: “You can expect him to get minutes. He won’t get 90. It is a game where not all our starters will start. We have to balance. He will make minutes. If he starts or comes on, we have to decide today.”
Liverpool begin succession plan
According to Sky Germany, Slot has started the search to sign a traditional right-back to play as part of a back four. The decision comes with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Anfield still uncertain as he enters the final six months of his deal.
The Reds academy product is able to enter talks with other teams from next month and has drawn interest from Real Madrid despite a positive start to life under Slot. With Alexander-Arnold’s status still unresolved, along with that of Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk, preparation is required.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong has been touted as a potential target but would perhaps not fit perfectly with the line of tactical thinking suggested.
Transfer blow
Juventus youngster Kenan Yildiz appears to have poured cold water on the possibility of leaving Turin in the near future after declaring his desire to remain with the Old Lady.
Linked to both Liverpool and Manchester United, the 19-year-old has impressed. Yildiz has scored four goals and made four assists in his 22 appearances, having become a regular member of Thiago Motta’s starting XI.
Suitors may well be forced to wait before attempting to prise Yildiz away. “I’m happy at Juventus!” he said.
“Next year? I see myself here to fight for more titles as a Juventus player.”
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