Liverpool have reportedly shortlisted Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto as an audacious replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold is still yet to sign a new contract at Anfield, with his current deal up in the summer, and Real Madrid believed to be plotting a move for the homegrown talent.
Arne Slot does already have a potential replacement in his squad in young Conor Bradley, who has proven capable of stepping up to the plate when required since his breakthrough last season.
Not signing a replacement if Alexander-Arnold was to leave would leave them short in full-back areas though, considering the club are also believed to be looking to add a left-back in the market too.
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Liverpool identify Gusto as Alexander-Arnold replacement?
When fit, Gusto has been a regular for Chelsea this season under Enzo Maresca, making 13 Premier League appearances so far.
The persistent injury issues suffered by Reece James has allowed plenty of opportunities to come Gusto's way in the first team since he arrived from Lyon in 2023.
However, Football Insider claim that Liverpool will not be deterred by the fact Chelsea are currently a direct title rival, and will seek to pursue a deal for Gusto if Alexander-Arnold was to depart.
The report states that Liverpool have been tracking Gusto's progress this campaign, after he quickly established himself as a Premier League regular last season.
In just 27 appearances, Gusto registered six assists, and has been part of the squad that has lifted Chelsea up into second under Maresca this time around.
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Would Gusto be open to an Anfield move?
With the ability to play on either flank in defence, Gusto's head might be turned by the fact that he is not first choice when Chelsea have a fully-fit squad available.
Captain James would expect to return to the starting XI when fit, while at left-back, Marc Cucurella has blossomed into the player that Chelsea spent so much on from Brighton & Hove Albion.
If Alexander-Arnold was to leave, that would provide the opportunity for a right-back to come and play regular Premier League and Champions League football, as long as they can keep Bradley out of the side.
Gusto will be eyeing up a spot in France's 2026 World Cup squad at the end of next season, so the prospect of playing every week would be even more enticing.
The 21-year-old currently plays in the France Under-21 set up, but will have his eyes set on challenging Barcelona's Jules Kounde for the starting berth in Didier Deschamps' side.
Andrew Delaney
