Arsenal could end up being significantly impacted by Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid. The Reds right-back has been strongly linked with a transfer to Los Blancos over the last 12 months and now, according to talkSPORT, has decided to join the European champions
Alexander-Arnold has continued to be a key component for Liverpool since the arrival of Arne Slot with his attacking numbers remaining high and it very likely his creativity in the final third suits Real's playing style.
It is also no secret he has built up a strong relationship with fellow Englishman Jude Bellingham.
Minor injury problems have been common for the 27-year-old this season however, with a knee injury picked up in the Champions League last-16 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain set to keep him out for the next few weeks.
The reaction within the Liverpool fanbase has been mixed to say the least, but for rivals, it should be seen as a huge boost with one of the Premier League's best players over the last five years leaving on a free transfer to play overseas.
Taking into account his injury absence and their lead in the Premier League title race, it is unlikely any of the Liverpool players are so greatly impacted by these updates that their performances change going forward.
Defeats to Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain will quickly be forgotten about if they can storm to domestic silverware.
Beyond the next few months however, Liverpool's creative threat from the right will undoubtedly diminish with no Alexander-Arnold.
While his defensive qualities are often questioned, his impact in the final third is so significant that it more than makes up for any errors or lapses of judgement further back.
Even with no money coming in from a sale to sign a potential replacement, Liverpool already have a plan in place.
On a number of occasions, due to Alexander-Arnold's absence, Conor Bradley has filled in at right-back to great effect with the 21-year-old capable of stepping up, despite how different the players are.
While Bradley excels in 1vs1 duels against pacey wingers, his final ball does leave a lot to be desired and therefore Liverpool could see an improvement defensively, but also a drop-off in attack. In terms of next season's title race, it is very likely Arsenal and Liverpool will be up there again.
Considering their lack of activity in the transfer market since Slot took charge, Liverpool looking at multiple additions in the next trading period is plausible especially with some issues in the squad exposed. However, a new right-back being signed is not a foregone conclusion considering Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez can also play there.
A big summer also awaits Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta with free agent exits also expected at Emirates Stadium.