Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister prepares to take his penalty during a penalty shootout
Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister prepares to take his penalty during a penalty shootout
After doing battle in the EFL Cup, Liverpool and Chelsea could be set to lock horns in the January transfer window, having both identified a former Premier League star as a target.
Following a 1-1 draw in normal time, the Reds booked their place in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup with a 6-5 victory on penalties, but they were unable to follow it up with a victory in the Premier League.
Arsenal emerged as 1-0 winners at Anfield on Sunday, winning at Anfield in the Premier League for the first time since 2012, on a day where Ronald Araujo featured at right-back once again, as a result of Jeremie Frimpong suffering another injury set-back.
Liverpool defender Ronald Araujo
Liverpool defender Ronald Araujo
Since arriving on loan from FC Barcelona in the summer, Araujo has quickly become a fan favourite, with Jamie Carragher saying: “The fans have absolutely fallen in love with him straight away.
“Sometimes you have players like that. They’ve come, they’ve got a bit of a backstory. At Barcelona maybe they were happy to see him go, but the Liverpool supporters opened their arms and gave him a big cuddle, and he seems to be enjoying it.”
However, considering the Uruguayan isn't a natural right-back, and Frimpong's career at Anfield has never really taken off, in light of injury problems, it may be a smart move to bring in a fresh option during the January transfer window, and a controversial target has been identified.
Liverpool and Chelsea keen on signing Trent Alexander-Arnold
trent-alexander-arnold-real-madrid
According to a report from Football Insider, Liverpool and Chelsea are now eyeing January moves for Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could be in line for a sensational return to Anfield.
The £267,000-a-week full-back caused ruptures when he left the Reds in the summer of 2025, but he has struggled to make the desired impact in Spain, making just 21 La Liga appearances during his debut campaign.
That is despite playing a major role in the success of the Jurgen Klopp era, during which time the 28-year-old became the defender with the highest number of assists in Premier League history.
Declan Rice is also a huge fan of his international teammate, saying: "Trent is one of the best players I’ve ever seen. I’ll tell you now, Trent can play in midfield. I’ve seen it at England; I’ve seen it for Liverpool. He’s unbelievable. That’s what I say to people that you see saying that type of stuff."
Of course, Trent would be able to make an instant impact at Liverpool, having proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years, but Steven Gerrard has suggested it may be too soon for a return, saying: "Do I think it’s the right thing for this group, this manager and where Liverpool are right now? I’m unsure.
"Does he make Liverpool’s team and squad better? Ability and talent-wise, 100%. I’m just not sure it’s right for the group right now."