£70m star’s huge decision spells double trouble for Arne Slot at Liverpool

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot could be set to receive a double transfer blow after a significant update emerged at Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The Reds took the early advantage in the title race this season when Dominik Szoboszlai’s “incredible” free kick secured a 1-0 win against Arsenal at Anfield.

Mikel Arteta lost further ground at the top of the table when his side relied on a 93rd-minute equaliser courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli to rescue a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates last time out.

However, the Gunners are still considered Slot’s main competitors for the league title again this season and are now in a much stronger position to compete for years to come, potentially hindering the Reds’ transfer plans.

TBR Football has confirmed that William Saliba has agreed to a long-term contract extension at the Emirates, which will keep the defender at the club well beyond the initial 2027 expiry date.

Real Madrid could now push to sign Ibrahima Konate and Marc Guehi

As previously reported by TBR Football, Real Madrid were keeping close tabs on Saliba, with boss Xabi Alonso eager to test Arsenal’s resolve as the Frenchman would have entered the final year of his current deal at the end of the season.

According to Spanish news outlet Diario AS, the La Liga giants were encouraged by the Frenchman’s £70 million market value, although it is likely the Gunners would have demanded considerably more for the defender.

Madrid, of course, took advantage of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation at Anfield and acquired the Scouser on a free transfer this summer, much to the dismay of the Liverpool supporters.

And now, history has a very real chance of repeating itself. Real Madrid is reportedly Ibrahima Konate’s preferred destination if Liverpool fail to come to an agreement on fresh terms before his contract expires in the summer.

TBR Football reported Slot wants both Konate and Marc Guehi at Anfield – the Reds’ pursuit of the Crystal Palace captain is not linked to Konate’s uncertain future as negotiations for renewed terms took place during the international break.

However, it appears Alonso has the same plan in Spain, as Madrid are expected to enter the race for Guehi. With the distraction of Saliba no longer a problem, Liverpool are set for a straight transfer shoot-out with their Champions League rivals.

Richard Hughes needs to have a plan in place before January

With various news outlets confirming Giovanni Leoni will likely miss the entirety of his maiden year at the Reds after sustaining an ACL injury on his debut, Richard Hughes will regret missing out on Guehi.

Indeed, the sporting director earned his plaudits after a record-breaking transfer window at Anfield, but the collapsed move for Guehi on deadline day is a minor stain on an otherwise flawless summer.

Had the Reds completed the deal, they would be well-positioned to deal with the long-term absence of Leoni and not have to worry about another player turning down Merseyside in favour of Madrid.

A very real scenario exists wherein Konate rebuffs all contract offers to follow Trent to Spain, and Alonso convinces Guehi to reject a move to Anfield.

This would be a catastrophic outcome by all accounts for Liverpool, and the only way to avoid this nightmare scenario is for Hughes to resolve both transfer sagas one way or another before the winter transfer window opens.