2 hours ago
36
Steve Nicol believes Liverpool must be “jealous” of Arsenal in one key area of the Premier League title race.
Despite this, it’s clear that after Arne Slot’s first season in charge, the Reds possess the quality, tactics, and squad depth to challenge for the championship again following last season’s remarkable title win.
With 85 points enough to secure the top-flight crown previously, even Jan Molby expects a similar points total will likely be required in the Premier League this season, given the strength of the competition.
Maintaining consistency, however, will be a challenge for Liverpool, who is competing across four competitions this year. Still, with the club’s new summer signings, Slot will hope he has finally struck the right balance to sustain a serious title challenge.
While Liverpool successfully secured striker Alexander Isak and promising midfield talent Florian Wirtz, the Reds were unlucky not to complete a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, which would have strengthened its backline. The deadline-day transfer ultimately fell through, leaving their summer rebuild slightly incomplete.
Pundits, including Jamie Carragher, have pointed to this defensive shortfall as a significant oversight that could impact Liverpool’s title ambitions.
Nicol has also expressed concerns about the defence, noting that rivals Arsenal appear to have addressed similar issues effectively under Mikel Arteta's management.
Speaking to ESPN FC, the former Reds player was asked whether he had ever seen defensive investment on the scale of what Arsenal have made. He said: “No, I don’t think I have. Yeah, it’s incredible.
“(Are you jealous) Yes, I absolutely am jealous. I wish Liverpool had as much depth at centre back as Arsenal does. My goodness… I don’t mind admitting it.”
Liverpool have quality options at centre-back, but depth remains a concern given the players available to fill those roles.
Joe Gomez can deliver strong performances when fully fit, yet his injury record makes him an unreliable long-term solution.
Giovanni Leoni has been brought in as a long-term prospect, but he has yet to make his mark and will need time to develop. With Ibrahima Konate potentially considering a move elsewhere, the Reds face a clear need to strengthen their defence — and many feel Guehi should be a priority signing.
Although Guehi could be available for a reduced fee in January, Liverpool are unlikely to pursue him during the winter window, as he will be a free agent next summer.
But should the Reds stick to such a stance, they would have to wait to finalise a pre-contract agreement with the centre-back.
Guehi is reportedly drawing interest from top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Juventus. Like Konate, he is free to negotiate with overseas clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement starting January 1.
However, the same rules do not apply for out-of-contract players moving to clubs within the same country.
English (US) ·