LIVERPOOL KEY TO BLOCKBUSTER PLAYER SWAP THAT MIGHT SAVE ARNE SLOT
Liverpool could offer Ibrahima Konaté to Real Madrid in a stunning swap deal for unsettled midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. The move would address a key area for Arne Slot ahead of the January window.
Arne Slot - Creator: Michael Regan | Credit: Getty Images
Arne Slot's season might be drastically altered if Liverpool were to make a huge trade offer to one of their most formidable opponents.
Only seven weeks have passed since the transfer market officially closed, following a summer in which some of the greatest teams in the world made a number of significant acquisitions.
Liverpool was unquestionably one of the largest summertime spenders, bringing players like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak to Anfield after Arne Slot led them to the Premier League title in his first season.
Assuming all bonuses are paid, Liverpool spent approximately £449 million in the summer. Despite this, there are already rumors that the Reds are busy preparing their next moves in the market.
Slot may be able to bring one of the players who have been linked to transfers to Liverpool to Anfield as part of a trade deal, which might help him turn around the season's unsatisfactory start.
Real Madrid probably won the beginning of the transfer window by signing a number of important players, including former Liverpool sensation Trent Alexander-Arnold, even though Liverpool might have won the end.
Given that center back Ibrahima Konate's contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, it has long been believed that Real Madrid will continue to pursue Liverpool's top players.
Following the arrival of Alexander-Arnold, center-back Dean Huijsen, and left-back Alvaro Carreras last summer, Konate would be the most recent addition to the 15-time Champions League champion's already strong back line.
However, it has been stated that Real Madrid has chosen not to extend Antonio Rudiger's contract before it expires in July in order to make room for the Frenchman on their wage books.
Liverpool might, however, present their European opponents with a different option that would even let Konate depart the team for nothing in January.
In addition to Rudiger, Eduardo Camavinga is also said to be 'bitter' about his treatment since the Spaniard's arrival and has apparently lost favor with Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso.
The midfield player has only played 141 minutes this season, which has sparked speculation that he may be willing to quit the team soon.
If this is true, Liverpool might present themselves as the Frenchman's next suitor, opening the door to a deal that would see Camavinga and Konate leave in January.
It would make perfect sense to let Konate go in order to get some sort of compensation for his departure if Liverpool were to finally sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi in January after coming very close to doing so on deadline day.
Slot may be able to deploy the two-time Champions League winner in place of Alexis Mac Allister, who has struggled this season, if Camavinga's signing was a part of this comeback.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.