Liverpool KEEN on Argentine defender
This summer, no transfer link will be left un-turned and if it is plausible that a player who could assist Liverpool is interested in a move to Merseyside then they will be added to a shortlist.
Now the the Premier League is secured, Arne Slot is to be financially backed this summer and a significant turnover of players is expected, which will require them to be replaced accordingly.
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If we take Trent Alexander-Arnold for example; Conor Bradley will step up in his place, but the services of Jeremie Frimpong will be useful to help replace the English right-back's creativity.
But that's not all. Until a linked player is confirmed by the club, you can expect to see other transfer links with players who were considered earlier on in the process.
This is what looks to have been the case with Nahuel Molina at Atletico Madrid.
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Argentine right-back on Liverpool's radar
According to the Spanish news outlet MARCA, Liverpool were considering a move for Molina this season, a 27-year-old reliable full-back who is known for his attacking forages from time to time.
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Capable of playing as a right-sided defender or a right-sided midfielder, he has been an important asset in Diego Simeone's system for three seasons now, playing regular minutes in all competitions.
Off the ball he would help create attacks moving forward and when his team were in danger of being counter-attacked, he would never shy away from putting in a crunching tackle.
After a mildly successful three-year spell in Spain, for which he cost Atletico £17m to move from Udinese, he would've offered Liverpool an experienced pair of hands at the back to cover Trent in the short-term, although presumably he will not be a player that is considered moving forward.
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New York Times
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Jesus, Cuiabano and Jair Cunha: What could the three Brazilians bring to Nottingham Forest?
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New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Arsenal squad audit: Every player's future explained going into the summer
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Neto, 35 (loan ends 2025) With just one appearance last season, it was no surprise when the club confirmed yesterday that he would return to Bournemouth when his loan ends. Tommy Setford, 19 (2028) The England Under-20 international was unlucky with injuries in his debut season, but did make his debut in the League Cup. His contract length would see him be a passable third-choice option next season, but recruiting a strong backup for Raya will require attention, especially with Joan Garcia now on Barcelona's radar. Karl Hein, 23 (2026) In his loan spell at Real Valladolid, Hein played more games (32) than in the rest of his senior career combined. The Estonia goalkeeper's deal expires at the end of next season but there is an option for another year. Another loan this year may be suitable before looking to sell next summer. Ben White, 27 (2028) The 2024-25 campaign was an anomaly for White. It was the only season since he joined Arsenal that he had failed to make over 30 league appearances, as he missed four months after undergoing knee surgery. With no contractual issues, the focus will be on getting back to full fitness to provide the consistency of previous years. Jurrien Timber, 23 (2028) Timber turns 24 this month and will look to build on a strong season. Three and a half years White's junior, he may be a bigger priority to extend, but that is not yet an urgent matter. Takehiro Tomiyasu, 26 (2026) Tomiyasu has had horrid luck with injuries. He played just eight minutes of football in 2024-25, and his versatility was sorely missed. There is an option for another year on his deal, and considering he will be injured throughout this summer window, activating that option may be a smart move to hold onto any sale value for future windows. Advertisement William Saliba, 24 (2027) Extending Saliba's contract is a priority for Arsenal, and The Athletic reported on May 9 that the club had opened talks with the centre-back. The Champions League clashes with Real Madrid brought expected rumours about his future, but Madrid have since signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. Gabriel, 27 (2027) Arsenal are unimaginable without Saliba and/or Gabriel at the back. The final-day win at Southampton was the first time in 148 consecutive league games that neither player had started for Arsenal — a run going back to August 2021. Thankfully for Arsenal, Gabriel is close to signing a new long-term contract. Just like in the 2022-23 season, he is expected to be the first of the group of players who have two years left on their deals to commit his future. Jakub Kiwior, 25 (2028) Arsenal could have a dilemma over the centre-back this summer. Kiwior has enough time on his contract to keep him in his current role, and he proved how well he can deputise for Gabriel when given consistent minutes. On the other hand, his end-of-season performances could help attract bids if Arsenal need to raise funds for incoming deals. This could be the time to cash in on a player who should be worth more than the £20million ($27.1m in today's exchange) they spent on him in 2023. Myles Lewis-Skelly, 18 (2026) Lewis-Skelly's current deal was his first professional contract, which could only be three years in length. Whether he broke into the first team last season or not, renegotiations would have been expected this summer. Having made 39 first-team appearances, and two for England, he deserves to be rewarded. Riccardo Calafiori, 23 (2029) The Italy defender showed glimpses of brilliance in his debut season, but his availability was an issue. If Arsenal decide to move on Kiwior, he can be a deputy option as a left-sided centre-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko, 28 (2026) The Ukraine international had a transformative effect on Arsenal when he signed in 2022, but now feels a natural time to part ways. Arteta's use of him in midfield late in the season could be a timely reminder to potential clubs of Zinchenko's natural position. Arsenal signed Zinchenko for around £30million, but recouping a fee in that region appears unlikely. Advertisement Kieran Tierney, 27 (2025) The Scot will re-join Celtic on a pre-contractual agreement this summer. It is sad his Arsenal career pivoted from being a potential captain to the exit door, but at least he had a nice farewell moment with his goal at Southampton. Nuno Tavares, 25 (2025) One of a few players who have spent multiple seasons away on loan, Arsenal expect Lazio to activate their option to buy Tavares after he spent 2024-25 on loan at the Serie A club. Martin Odegaard, 26 (2028) Most of Arsenal's 2028 contracts come in midfield, including Odegaard. He struggled to find his best form last season after suffering a two-month ankle injury. Using the summer to condition himself well for next term will be essential as, like White, Arsenal need him back at his best. Declan Rice, 26 (2028) Rice is another 2028 contract, but different in that he has possibly exceeded expectations since he signed in 2023. He has hit his personal-best numbers for goal involvements in both seasons at Arsenal, with 16 in 2023-24 and 19 in 2024-25. Contract-wise, he will likely be the biggest priority alongside Odegaard from the 2028 group. Mikel Merino, 28 (2028) After a slow start (and pre-season injury), Merino exploded into life as Arteta's makeshift centre-forward at the end of the season. With Kai Havertz back fit and the expected signing of both centre-forwards and central midfielders, his involvement next season will be interesting to track. Contractually, next summer may be Arsenal's best chance to move Merino on for a considerable fee, but keeping his experience could be beneficial. Thomas Partey, 31 (2025) The Athletic reported in April that Arsenal want to keep Partey and were in talks over a new deal and the club confirmed yesterday they are in discussions. However, with the expected arrival of Martin Zubimendi and Partey turning 32 this month, he may not be relied upon as often as he was in 2024-25. Advertisement Ethan Nwaneri, 18 (2026) Arsenal are in talks with Nwaneri over a new deal, as they are with Lewis-Skelly. Used more sparingly as the season drew to a close, more clarity on his on-pitch development may be needed. While outsiders saw how effective he was deputising for Bukayo Saka on the right, he is naturally an attacking midfielder. Jorginho, 33 (2025) His exit at the end of his deal was confirmed yesterday, and Flamengo are looking to bring the midfielder in ahead of the Club World Cup. Albert Sambi Lokonga, 25 (2026) Arsenal took up an option to give the midfielder an additional year on his contract with the hopes of selling him permanently this summer. Sevilla did not activate their option to buy him, but Lokonga's preference would be to stay in Spain. Fabio Vieira, 25 (2027) The writing was on the wall for Vieira when Nwaneri was starting ahead of him last pre-season. Returning to boyhood club Porto on loan, he made 39 appearances, scoring five and assisting another five goals. This summer, finding a buying club for Vieira should be on Arsenal's agenda. Bukayo Saka, 23 (2027) Integral to Arsenal's progress since he broke into the team, many will be wondering what could have been if Saka had not suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for three months of last season. The winger hit 10 league assists by November, and ended the campaign with 25 goal involvements. Agreeing fresh terms for him this summer is as much a priority as with Gabriel and Saliba. 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Raheem Sterling, 30 (loan ends 2025) After Sterling's disappointing loan at the Emirates, the club confirmed yesterday that he will return to Chelsea. Marquinhos, 22 (2027) The winger joined Cruzeiro on loan in January. The Brazilian club had an option to buy and are now advancing towards making that move permanent.
