
Danny Murphy has encouraged Liverpool to consider signing Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto if Trent Alexander-Arnold departs at the end of the season.
Alexander-Arnold has been pivotal for Liverpool this campaign, contributing four assists in 15 Premier League matches under Arne Slot as the Reds topped the table on Christmas Day.
However, uncertainty looms over the 26-year-old’s future at his boyhood club. With just six months left on his contract, Alexander-Arnold, alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, could leave on a free transfer next summer.
While Liverpool continues contract negotiations, Alexander-Arnold will soon be eligible to discuss pre-contract agreements with European clubs. Real Madrid are seen as frontrunners for his signature as they seek a long-term successor to Dani Carvajal.
Murphy, a former Liverpool midfielder, believes the England international might choose a move to Spain despite his strong ties to Merseyside. If that happens, Murphy suggests Gusto could be the ideal replacement for Liverpool’s right-back position.
Murphy told MyBettingSites.co.uk: “Malo Gusto would be a very interesting option but I don’t see how Chelsea would let him go.
“The biggest compliment you can pay to Gusto is that not many people have talked about Reece James’ absence any more.
“Gusto has impressed me. I’ve seen him live twice this season and four-five times on television. I think he’s got that lovely balance of being really good going forward, getting in great attacking areas, good delivery and one-on-one defending.
“He’d be perfect but I don’t see Chelsea letting it happen where he walks out of the door and joins their competitors. But with PSR rules and the way football is now, you never know.”