Arsenal are reportedly pondering a shock swoop for Liverpool star Alberto Moreno, amid speculation surrounding his future at Anfield.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Arsenal are weighing up a shock move to sign Alberto Moreno on a free transfer next summer. The Spaniard is set to see out the rest of his contract with Liverpool, after contract talks stalled completely due to a shortage of game time.
Moreno joined Liverpool from Sevilla in the summer of 2014, and the four years that have followed have been far from ideal. The player initially took no time to settle in as the first-choice left-back, but has steadily declined in stature ever since Jurgen Klopp took charge at Anfield.
James Milner usurped him in Klopp’s first full season as the Liverpool boss before Andrew Robertson made the left side of the defence his own last term. Moreno’s predicament has become so frustrating that he has managed to feature just eight times for the Reds since the turn of the year. The player’s situation has alerted several clubs, the latest being Arsenal.
Unai Emery does have two left-backs at his disposal at the present moment. But, a closer look suggests just why the Arsenal boss is seeking a left-back. Nacho Monreal has managed to retain his place as the first-choice left-back under Emery. But, like Moreno, his contract is set to expire next summer as well.
Monreal’s alternative, Sead Kolasinac, on the other hand, does not seem to be impressing Emery much, despite returning to the fold from injury over a month ago. While talks over an extension are underway with Monreal, Kolasinac could be replaced, which is why the Arsenal manager has turned his sights towards Liverpool star Moreno.
The fact that he will not cost anything, after Moreno reportedly rejected a new deal, also makes him an attractive prospect for Arsenal. But, the Gunners will have to wait till next summer to enter negotiations with the Liverpool star, as he will only be able to agree a pre-contract with foreign clubs upon the turn of the year.
If he does join them, however, Arsenal will have a player who can recreate Monreal’s exploits in the final third, although the his defensive prowess still remains questionable at the very least. For now, the only certainty is the fact that Alberto Moreno will be calling time on his spell at Liverpool upon the cusp of his half-decade anniversary.
Liverpool seem to have made peace with the idea of parting ways with Moreno for nothing, with Klopp looking to promote 18-year-old Adam Lewis to the first-team setup. Arsenal are among several clubs showing an interest at the present moment, and it remains to be seen if the player continues his time in the Premier League, or if he moves elsewhere.
