Liverpool now STRONG contenders for Real Madrid midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool’s expectations for this season are not being met despite a £450m summer spending spree.

British record deals were done for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak - with the likes of Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Giorgi Mamardashvili also arriving at Anfield.

But the Premier League champions are marooned in 10th place in the table - following two draws against newly promoted Sunderland and Leeds.

To make matters worse head coach Arne Slot is currently at war with Mo Salah - banishing the Egyptian King from the trip to Inter Milan in midweek.

Liverpool emerge as strong contender for Arda Guler

We could see Liverpool move for a Salah replacement in the near future should the 33-year-old be sold. And one player who could cover the two-time African player of the year’s position - and several others - is Arda Guler.

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The Real Madrid playmaker is again being linked with a move to Merseyside - with Fichajes claiming Liverpool along with Manchester United and Arsenal are pushing for his signature.

“Liverpool has emerged as a strong third contender,” the report reads.

“With the potential departure or diminished attacking impact of some key players, the Anfield side is looking to revitalize its attacking creativity.”

Arda Guler can play in several positions

The 20-year-old joined Real from Fenerbahce back in 2023 and is under contract until 2029. Having initially struggled for game time the Turkish international appears to have made a decisive breakthrough and is regularly involved under Xabi Alonso.

Guler is capable of playing on the right wing as well as in the centre of midfield and as an orthodox No10. He could therefore solve several problems if the Reds’ sporting director Richard Hughes manages to do a deal with Real Madrid.

Liverpool have not renewed their midfield since 2023 - when Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo all arrived as part of an extensive refit.

They remain as Arne Slot’s chief options in midfield - along with homegrown Curtis Jones - and Liverpool have at times looked short in that sector.

Guler could be one solution to the issues plaguing the Reds’ midfield but first interest from both Man Utd and Arsenal will have to be seen off.