Liverpool want £75m Premier League star to fix problem position for Andoni Iraola

Liverpool are targeting a shock move for a Premier League player to address one of Andoni Iraola's problem positions.

Following a slow start to the transfer window, the Reds are ramping up their business with just over two weeks left until the window shuts.

Liverpool have only signed two players this summer, with Victor Munoz joining for £34.5 million from Osasuna before the arrival of Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona was confirmed on Monday.

But the Merseyside giants aren't satisfied with the number of players captured so far, and Iraola is pushing a recruitment drive as he aims to hit the ground running at Anfield.

Bradley Barcola is well-documented as Liverpool's top target in attack, although Paris Saint-Germain will have to lower their £145 million asking price to push a transfer through.

A winger to compete with Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo is seen as a priority, while the signing of a right-back isn't far behind, with one Premier League star emerging as a contender to rival their current options.

Liverpool plotting blockbuster transfer for Malo Gusto

Liverpool have encountered several issues at right-back since Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer.

Dominik Szoboszlai had to fill in on numerous occasions last term as both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley suffered their fair share of injury problems.

Frimpong is currently the first choice in that role, but is more suited to playing as a wing-back, which explains why Liverpool are exploring a move for Chelsea's Malo Gusto.

As revealed by Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, the 23-year-old is admired by Liverpool, Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

The problem facing interested clubs, though, is Gusto's well-documented £75m asking price, with Man City recently walking away from negotiations after being unwilling to meet their demands.

Crucially, the Blues could even lower their asking price for the Frenchman - according to Phillips - who revealed that the talented defender has been pushing to leave Stamford Bridge for the past four months.

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Gusto featured 34 times in the Premier League last term, but has been pushed down the pecking order in West London following the £47m arrival of Marco Palestra from Atalanta.

The Italian is set to battle Reece James for a spot at right wing-back or midfield in Xabi Alonso's system, and that could limit the Frenchman's starting opportunities this season.

Chelsea signed Gusto for £35m from Lyon as a 19-year-old in January 2023, and he's since developed into one of the Premier League's most promising defenders.

Capable of playing as a right-back or wing-back across various systems, the 16-cap French international has made 134 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, scoring three and assisting 17.

As an all-conquering full-back, possessing incredible speed, tenacity and attacking threat, Gusto would present strong competition for Frimpong at Anfield.

The only issue stopping Liverpool from progressing with a deal is the £75m asking price, but if that is lowered, then perhaps the Frenchman will be persuaded to join Iraola's exciting project.