Liverpool face the distinct possibility of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid on a free transfer and reportedly fancy signing Chelsea Malo Gusto as his replacement.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was absent on Thursday evening as Liverpool thrashed Tottenham 4-0 to book their spot at Wembley to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
While Trent was absent, Conor Bradley stepped up and shone at right-back and even grabbed himself an assist in what was a glimpse into what life might be like at Anfield without Alexander-Arnold.
The Scouser has yet to sign his contract extension with the Reds and is linked with a free agent move to join Real Madrid where he would join one of his best mates, Jude Bellingham.
For Liverpool, it was a subtle look into how losing Trent may not be the end of the world even if they would much prefer to keep him. Until he signs a contract with Liverpool or Real Madrid, the club needs to plan for his potential exit and this has led them to look at Malo Gusto at Chelsea.
Liverpool like Malo Gusto and could sign him to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold
According to Team Talk, Liverpool have received something of a boost in their interest in Malo Gusto, with the fullback changing agents.
Previously with Castagnio agency, Gusto has just joined Wasserman which is said to make a move to Liverpool more likely given the timing.
Chelsea, however, have no plans to let Gusto leave so if Liverpool did come knocking it would cost them a lot. The 21-year-old is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2023 so the Blues have a lot of power in negotiations.
However, with Gusto earning £45,000 per week, his only chance to make more is to break his contract with Chelsea by joining a new club where he will be able to negotiate higher wages.
Liverpool would do better to find a way to keep Trent even though it will cost them a lot in wages. Replacing him is a difficult task and even if Bradley is a quality replacement, Alexander-Arnold is a generational talent and would be a huge miss.
Gusto would be a decent replacement but signing him will be difficult and expensive.
