Liverpool plot move to sign Chelsea 21-yr-old - Transfer Guru

Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto if they lose Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season.

This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Reds have been tracking Gusto’s progress so far this season.

The 21-year-old has been a regular in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI this season in the absence of Reece James, but the captain is still recognised as their first-choice right-back when fit.

As a result, there is a feeling that the France Under-21 international could be tempted to make the move to Anfield with the offer of a guaranteed starting place.

Alexander-Arnold’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season as things stand, with no progress having been made towards renewing his terms.

Brown told Football Insider in November that Liverpool already have an idea about where the 26-year-old’s future will lie as Real Madrid continue to push for his signing.

As a result, the club have now turned their attentions to finding a new right-back in the transfer market, with Gusto thought to be near the top of their list.

Liverpool want to sign Malo Gusto to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold

Gusto join Chelsea for a fee of £26million in January 2023, has made 15 appearances under Maresca this season, and remains one of the most highly-rated young right-backs in Europe.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in player recruitment at the top level after spending over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on his progress and could now make their move.

“Liverpool are putting plans in place for if they lose Trent Alexander-Arnold,” he told Football Insider.

“They have to have these conversations about where they’re going to go to find a replacement.

“They’ve got Conor Bradley, who has done exceptionally well when called upon, and he’s going to be an important part of their plans.

“But Gusto is very highly rated, and he’s one their scouts have been keeping an eye on this season.

“He’s not a nailed-on starter at Chelsea, either, because when Reece James comes back from injury, chances are he’ll be straight back into the side.

“So that gives Liverpool the chance to offer him first-team football, and they’ll believe that could be enough to tempt him into moving.

“In that case, I can see them making a move for him come the end of the season.“

In other news, ‘huge’ update on Joao Pedro to Liverpool today.

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The post Liverpool plot move to sign Chelsea 21-yr-old - Transfer Guru appeared first on Football Insider.