Liverpool news and transfers - Jude Bellingham boost, Luis Diaz return date, Arsenal team news

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Thanks for joining us. Be sure to return in the morning for more coverage and build-up to this weekend's Premier League game against Arsenal.

Sadio Mane exit has led to growing Liverpool issue that used to be a huge strength

At face value, scoring has not been a huge problem for Liverpool in 2022/23. After the Premier League matches on Tuesday evening, only four teams in the division had bagged more goals.

However, there are two key issues hiding beneath the headline figure. For starters, the Reds scored 25 fewer goals than they did in their first 28 games of 2021/22, an enormous plummet. The other main problem is that a third of their total came in just two games, when they battered Bournemouth and Manchester United.

And even with those goal-heavy games, Liverpool are on track to score the fewest league goals they’ve mustered in a full season under Jurgen Klopp. Wastefulness has been a problem throughout the Reds’ squad this term.

Four of Liverpool’s top five players for shots taken have scored fewer goals than expected (per FBRef), with the top three for shots per 90 minutes all below par. The net result is that the Reds are 4.1 goals below their xG after 28 games, when they finished 5.3 above last season.

Read the full story, here.

Bradley continues fine form

On-loan Liverpool defender full-back Conor Bradley continued his fine form as he scored the only goal in Bolton's 1-0 victory at Exeter City in League One.

The Whites, fresh from their Papa Johns Trophy triumph at Wembley last weekend, showed no signs of fatigue as they continued their League One promotion push with a hard-fought victory at St James Park.

The final whistle blows and we take all three points! #bwfc pic.twitter.com/51IBJmem0H

— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) April 7, 2023

Thiago eyed by Barcelona

Thiago Alcantara is reportedly on Barcelona's midfield shortlist ahead of next season - with Xavi said to be a huge admirer of his former Camp Nou team-mate.

The Spaniard has less than 18 months remaining on his current deal at Anfield and after a string of injuries has been linked with a move away from the Reds. According to the Spanish publication Diario AS, Barcelona will try and prise the midfielder back to La Liga this summer as part of their midfield overhaul.

The 31-year-old is said to be a target alongside Dani Olmo, Xavi Simons, Arnau Martinez and Sergio Gomez.

After progressing through Barcelona's academy as a teenager, Thiago made over 100 appearances at Barcelona before joining Bayern Munich in 2013

Bellingham set to 'finally' announce future

According to a new report in Germany, Jude Bellingham is set to "finally" announce his future amid interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid.

The 19-year-old England international is the number one target for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, who are expected to go head to head with the 14-time European Cup winners Real Madrid as well as Manchester City.

And according to the German publication Ruhr Nachrichten, Bellingham has "finally" made a decision over his future.

Arteta looking for calm heads at Anfield

Mike Arteta has reiterated the need for calm heads when Arsenal visit Anfield on Sunday afternoon - admitting he hopes to avoid a repeat of last season's touchline fracas with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The Spaniard was involved in a heated exchange with the Reds boss during Arsenal's last Premier League visit to Anfield in November 2021, where a second half collapse from the North Londoners saw the Reds cruise to an emphatic 4-0 victory.

However, after a slow opening half-hour on Merseyside, Arteta whipped the home crowd into a frenzy when he unloaded on Klopp after a coming together between Sadio Mane and Takehiro Tomiyasu left the Spaniard furious.

The ferocious reaction of the 41-year-old, who has been criticised on numerous occasions this season for his touchline behaviour, prompted Klopp to rally the Anfield crowd in search of a reaction. It came just moments after the two managers had been separated by the fourth official and later booked for their actions.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Arsenal's Colney training ground on Friday, the Spaniard admitted his remorse at the altercation on Merseyside nearly 18 months ago but insisted he has absolute respect for his opposite number at Anfield.

“I reacted to defend our players the best possible way - but I don’t like seeing myself like this, so hopefully not," said Arteta. “That’s football. It happens in football and after that we hugged each other and moved on.

"The last time we were together nothing happened. I have full respect and admiration for what they’ve done. We’ve moved on.”

Saka and Saliba latest

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Bukayo Saka will be fit to feature against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's side host the Gunners in a fixture of great significance for both sides, Arsenal aiming to continue their pursuit of the Premier League title and the Reds searching to keep their faint top-four hopes alive.

Saka was left on the substitutes bench for Arsenal's 4-1 win over Leeds United last Saturday, before being introduced on the hour mark, with Arteta confirming why he was left out of the starting eleven pre kick-off. He said: “He wasn’t able to train yesterday as he wasn’t well but today he feels a little bit better, so we’ve put Gabby [Jesus] in." Saka was thrusted into the action just after the hour mark and finished the game with no concerns."

But the England international has now fully recovered and is in line to start from the off against the Reds this weekend.

For the full story, click here.

Arteta has say on Liverpool's season

Mikel Arteta has had his say on Liverpool ahead of taking on the Reds this weekend.

Arsenal head to Merseyside in search of their first Anfield win since 2012 and know three points would put them in pole position to become Premier League champions ahead of Manchester City.

Many anticipated the Reds to be battling Pep Guardiola's side once again this season, though Liverpool have fallen way below expectations and look set to not even make the top four.

Asked if he has been surprised by Liverpool's poor campaign, Arteta said:

More admiration because it shows the difficulty of being at the top and transforming a football club. It shows how hard it is to maintain that. We’ve all had difficult moments, but what they’ve done at the club is remarkable."

Decision on Bellingham future 'imminent'

A verdict on Jude Bellingham's Borussia Dortmund future is 'imminent' as speculation continues over the England international.

Bellingham remains a priority target for Liverpool, though the Reds are anticipated to face significant competition from other top European sides for the services of the teenager.

Though a decision is yet to be made on his next destination, a latest report by Ruhr Nachrichten has suggested the player's next step will soon be decided.

Birmingham keen to keep Hall

Birmingham City manager John Eustace has admitted he is hopeful of keeping midfielder George Hall at the club despite reported interest from Premier League clubs.

Liverpool are among the sides to have been linked with the 18-year-old, who has featured in 27 games at Championship level this season.

Making his stance clear on the teenager, Birmingham boss Eustace said: "I want George here for as long as we can sign him on here for. Everyone at the football club loves him to bits, he’s in a very good environment. I know the fans have really taken to him, he’s one of our own and we want him here for as long as we can.”

Luis Diaz latest

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Luis Diaz is unlikely to return to action against Arsenal despite returning to team training this week.

The Colombian hasn't featured for six months, since the Reds' 3-2 defeat the Emirates back in October, because of a knee injury. However, he was pictured back in team training on Thursday.

But despite the forward's return to team training, Klopp has no desire to rush Diaz and has revealed Liverpool's trip to Leeds United is a more likely return for the former FC Porto man.

"The plan with Luis is that he will be available 100% for Leeds," Klopp told reporters. "It looks good, everything is fine but it was a long, long injury so we have to be careful. We will probably not involve him for Sunday."

To read more, click here.

Jurgen Klopp press conference

The Liverpool boss will be speaking to the media at 9:45am to preview Sunday's game with Arsenal.

To follow what Klopp has to say, click here.

Lampard hails 'fantastic' Mount

Frank Lampard was full of praise for Mason Mount when speaking at his press conference yesterday afternoon, having been named caretaker boss until the end of the season.

Mount has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool in recent days, though the temporary appointment of Lampard has raised questions over whether he could convince the midfielder to remain at Stamford Bridge past this summer.

Speaking to reporters yesterday afternoon, Lampard said: “Mason has always been a fantastic player for me. It’s an absolute pleasure to watch him, and other players like Reece James, Tammy Abraham and Tomori to go on and be huge players here or elsewhere.

“I know what I get from Mason. I just want to see him perform on the pitch. We have a good relationship, I look forward to speaking to him more.”

Neville backs Arsenal to become champions if Anfield win secured

Gary Neville believes Arsenal will go on to become Premier League champions if they get the better of Liverpool on Sunday.

Currently going toe-to-toe with Manchester City for top spot, Mikel Arteta's side face a major test this weeekend when making the trip to L4.

Arsenal have not won at the home of the Reds since 2012 and securing three points at Anfield would go a long way to boosting their title dreams.

Having his say ahead of the game, Neville told Sky Sports:

If Arsenal go to Anfield and win I'd say definitely it will be their title because the confidence from that will be unbelievable. If they lose at Anfield it then becomes a really tight race. Our manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) would say to us if you're playing Liverpool away at this time of year and you're going for the title, and you win, you win the league. Quite often that proved to be the case.

About two or three months ago, I thought Arsenal would finish 10 or 15 points behind Man City. That's not going to be the case now, obviously. It's 50-50 now. If Arsenal win at Liverpool, they definitely become favourites, but there's still a long way to go. Arsenal have to go to City and Newcastle, and they're going to be very difficult games."

These quotes come after Neville backed Manchester United to finish in second, ahead of Arsenal, in January: a prediction that now looks rather silly with United 19 points behind the north London side...

Real Madrid 'practically ruled out' of Bellingham race

Real Madrid have been 'practically ruled out' of the race to recruit Jude Bellingham, according to a latest article from Spain.

Liverpool will be hoping Bellingham picks Anfield as his next home, despite Champions League qualification now appearing a distant dream for the Reds.

A latest update on the situaiution has claimed Jurgen Klopp's side are the 'great favourite' to get a deal done due to their intention of paying €150million(£131m) for the services of the England international.

Real Madrid, it is stated, have 'no intention' of appproaching such numbers having set a price limit of €100m (£87.7m).

Klopp left supporters confused with Nunez decision

When the electronic board from the fourth official was thrust into the Stamford Bridge air with 11 minutes remaining on Tuesday night, it prompted many quizzical looks from Liverpool supporters in the away end and those watching at home.

The sight of the number 27 to signify Darwin Nunez's premature departure from the forgettable goalless draw against Chelsea was confusing for those who had regarded the Uruguayan as the Reds' biggest goal threat during the second half.

It later emerged Liverpool were, quite understandably, looking to manage the minutes of the Uruguay international after an ankle complaint suffered in the Champions League exit at Real Madrid last month.

But it was sufficient to prompt further debate on the effectiveness of the 23-year-old since arriving from Benfica in a deal that could ultimately cost the Reds a club record £85million.

Read the full story from Ian Doyle here.

Wahlstedt 'eyed by Liverpool'

Odds BK goalkeeper Leopold Wahlstedt has reportedly emerged as a target for Liverpool.

That's according to according to Norwegian newspaper Varden, via Sport Witness, who are reporting that the Sweden international could end up at Anfield in the summer.

Wahlstedt’s contract lasts until the end of this year, and asked recent transfer specualtion, he said: “I have no comment on that. Maybe I can say like Morten [Rönningen, Odds BK sporting director] that I can neither confirm nor deny.”

Chelsea Mason Mount latest

Good Morning

Good morning and welcome to the Liverpool ECHO's live Liverpool news and transfers blog.

The ECHO will provide breaking stories, reaction and comment to all the big talking points from Anfield as well as keeping tabs on transfer market gossip from around the world.

The big transfer news today is that Jude Bellingham has reportedly stopped talking to Real Madrid amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester City. That's according to Spanish outlet Nacional, who claim Bellingham has 'distanced himself from Real Madrid' and his family are 'pressuring him try his luck in the Premier League'.

Elsewhere on the transfer front, Liverpool will be 'at the front of the queue' for Mason Mount’s signature if the 24-year-old leaves Chelsea this summer. While Nayef Aguerd, Luka Sucic and James Maddison all continue to be linked with the Reds.