Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler as they look to strengthen their attack under newly appointed manager Andoni Iraola this summer.
According to SportsBoom, Liverpool are plotting to hijack Chelsea’s pursuit of the Turkish playmaker, with Anfield chiefs keeping a close eye on developments surrounding the 21-year-old.
Guler’s representatives are not closed to the idea of holding talks with Premier League clubs, though his priority remains staying at the Bernabeu for the upcoming season.
Chelsea had been viewed as frontrunners for Guler’s signature, with a potential reunion with his former manager Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge appearing to be a natural fit.
Liverpool’s reported interest would deal Alonso a significant blow in his attempts to recruit a player he once dubbed “special” during their time together at Real Madrid.
The Reds are also dealing with the immediate challenge of replacing Mohamed Salah, who departed Anfield as an undeniable club legend at the end of last season.
Sporting director Michael Edwards and director of football Richard Hughes face the task of sourcing several key reinforcements to help Iraola implement his style at Liverpool.
Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig remains the most prominent name on Liverpool’s shortlist, though competition from Paris Saint-Germain could potentially complicate their pursuit of the midfielder.
Guler’s credentials are difficult to ignore, as anyone who watched his stunning goals against Bayern Munich last season will readily acknowledge his considerable quality.
However, questions remain over whether the Turkish international fits the specific attacking profile that Liverpool most urgently need heading into a new era under Iraola.
Liverpool’s forward line last season lacked genuine pace and directness, with Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak all preferring the ball played to their feet rather than running in behind.
That tendency made Liverpool’s attack one-dimensional at key moments, and Guler’s natural game would not necessarily address that fundamental weakness in the squad.
Diomande, by contrast, is known for driving directly at defenders with speed and aggression, offering a very different and arguably more necessary dimension to Liverpool’s play.
If Liverpool were to pair Diomande with young talent Rio Ngumoha on the opposite flank, they could quickly develop one of the most exciting young wing combinations in the Premier League.
The smartest course of action for Liverpool may be to channel their summer resources into securing Diomande rather than entering an expensive battle to deny Chelsea their top target.