Rafael Leao remains on Liverpool's radar as Arsenal gear up for January battle

29 December 2023 , 05:00

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Rafael Leao remains on Liverpool's radar as Arsenal gear up for January battle

Liverpool have previously landed major names in January and could yet make more New Year moves in the transfer window.

The Reds have learned how a midseason arrival can spark a season, Virgil van Dijk being a prime example. Jurgen Klopp has led an impressive rebuild after a summer of mass change, especially in midfield.

Some still see Liverpool as slightly short in the title race however and with injuries mount the Merseysiders could opt to dip into the market. Klopp has not talked up any major moves, but he could still plug some key gaps.

Here's the latest from Anfield.

Leao remains on radar

Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for AC Milan's Rafael Leao. The Reds have a host of attacking options, but few of them are nailing down a first-team spot and making themselves a guaranteed starter, with the exception of Mohamed Salah.

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

Leao has gone from strength to strength in Serie A and is a key weapon in the Milan attack. The Italian club showed themselves willing to part with Sandro Tonali for the right fee in the summer and could demand even more if they want to sell Leao.

According to Francois Plateau, the Reds view the Portugal star as the perfect heir to Sadio Mane, who was a huge star at Anfield before he opted for a move to Bayern Munich.

Rafael Leao has become a leading light in Milan (Getty Images)

Left-back replacements eyed

Liverpool have held talks with Fulham over a potential move for Antonee Robinson, according to 90min. Klopp is without a regular left-back after starter Andy Robertson suffered a dislocated shoulder and understudy Kostas Tsimikas broke his collarbone.

Due to that injury crisis the Reds could move for the American, who has been a regular at Craven Cottage. The 26-year-old signed a new five-year contract in July as a reward for his excellent form but is now open to moving to Anfield.

If they cannot secure a move for Robinson then Liverpool could consider recalling 21-year-old Welsh youngster Owen Beck from his loan with Dundee FC, who has impressed north of the border.

Fulham's left-back is open to a move to Liverpool (Getty Images)

Reds eye Arsenal battle

Arsenal could be set to enter into a January transfer battle for Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio. The 22-year-old has been linked with a Premier League switch, but that would require a team paying his £52million release clause.

Portuguese outlet A Bola claims that the Gunners are currently in pole position to sign Inacio, but Liverpool remain in the hunt as they review their centre-half options. Klopp has been unable to settle on a long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk, who himself is now north of 30.

Samuel Meade