Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The Athletic has revealed where Arne Slot could look to strengthen his side in forthcoming transfer windows.
Liverpool’s summer business was notably restrained, with only Federico Chiesa (£12.5m) and Giorgi Mamardashvili (£29m) joining the club.
The latter won’t arrive until next summer, leading to growing concerns about the depth of attacking options at Slot’s disposal.
The Georgian shot-stopper recently picked up a thigh injury, with the 23-year-old not expected to be back until after the new year.
The club’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi earlier in the summer showed their willingness to strengthen key positions.
But for the most part, Arne Slot has been working with the same set of players inherited by Jurgen Klopp.
Despite the forward options Liverpool have, six players for three positions, questions have already been asked on whether that is enough to challenge for the big trophies.
Diogo Jota is immensely injury-prone, having missed a total of 24 games through injury.
The Portuguese forward’s injury problems have been particularly frustrating as he has shown excellent form when available.
And with Chiesa’s continued fitness issues, it seems Slot could look to take action sooner rather than later.
The Athletic gives Arne Slot transfer update
James Pearce has come out with a piece assessing Darwin Nunez and his impact since Diogo Jota got injured in October – with it not being a good look for the Uruguayan.
It’s clear that Mohamed Salah has been relied upon heavily for goal-scoring, with the Egyptian contributing 21 out of Liverpool’s 28 goals this season in the Premier League.
The Uruguayan forward has managed just two goals in 11 Premier League appearances this season, with a shot conversion rate of only 16.67%.
His overall statistics paint a picture of inefficiency, with just seven shots on target from 12 attempts.
While he has shown improvement in his all-round game, contesting 13.9 duels per 90 minutes, the finishing touch remains elusive.
Against both Newcastle United and Girona, Nunez missed some big, high-profile chances – with fan sentiment perhaps starting to grow impatient with a player who is now into his third season at Anfield and donning the famous No.9 shirt -worn by the likes of Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres, and Ian Rush.
Pearce has reported that Slot could look to reinforce the No.9 position in upcoming transfer windows, writing;
“As for Nunez, it feels like there’s a huge decision looming on the horizon for Liverpool next summer. They need someone with that kind of price tag to be much more than a decent impact sub.”
“We’re approaching the midway point of his third season at the club and he turns 26 next June.”
“At what point do you just accept this is him and give up on trying to iron out all those rough edges? Slot will want to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited and it wouldn’t be a surprise if a new No 9 featured on his wish list in the upcoming windows.”
Liverpool’s Nunez concerns have been somewhat masked by their excellent league position and Mohamed Salah’s form.
But should the Egyptian falter later on in the season, it’s hard to see Nunez shoulder the burden based on current form and evidence.
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