Liverpool transfer latest: Arne Slot 'firmly' in race with Manchester City for Trent Alexander-Arnold replacment

The Reds were held to a 2-2 draw by Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday evening, though they still lead the way in the top flight.

However, question marks remain about the futures of several star players, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, who are all out of contract at the end of the season.

As for Manchester City, they were dumped out of the Champions League on Wednesday after succumbing to a 3-1 defeat against Real Madrid, losing 6-3 on aggregate against the Spanish giants.

TEAMtalk report that both clubs have identified Frimpong as a potential transfer target in the summer, with the sides keen on strengthening their squads ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Liverpool's case for Frimpong

Alexander-Arnold has consistently been linked with a move to Real Madrid and with no contract resolution in sight, there is a strong possibility the Englishman could depart Merseyside at the end of the season.

His exit would open up a spot on the right side of Liverpool's back four for Frimpong, and there is no doubting that the 24-year-old would be a good stylistic alternative to Alexander-Arnold.

The Liverpool defender is hugely influential in the final third, scoring against Aston Villa on Wednesday, and Frimpong could help replicate his offensive influence given the Leverkusen man has scored 28 goals and provided 43 assists in 176 appearances for his current club.

However, the Dutchman does not possess Alexander-Arnold's unique passing range, and he could struggle if asked to play in exactly the same role by boss Arne Slot, who often places the bulk of the team's creative burden on Alexander-Arnold.

Manchester City's case for Frimpong

Manchester City have often started natural centre-backs like Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake or Josko Gvardiol in full-back zones to provide defensive solidity given their vulnerability during counter-attacks.

Kyle Walker left the club to join AC Milan in the January transfer window, and at his peak he was regarded by many as one of the Premier League's finest defensive right-backs.

Frimpong is stylistically different compared to Walker, but his talent in the final third would be a welcome addition considering that other than Erling Haaland, City players have struggled to score goals this campaign.

It should be noted that Frimpong has frequently started as a wing-back for Leverkusen, and he is unlikely to solve the defensive issues that have plagued Pep Guardiola's side in 2024-25.

Written by

Lewis Nolan