A Hectic January At Anfield: The attacking superstars who are on Arne Slot’s Liverpool wishlist

While many around Anfield might have been left heartbroken over the summer following Jurgen Klopp’s farewell, Liverpool have embarked on a sensational rise under new boss Arne Slot.

Although the former Feyenoord boss might have only officially taken charge a few months ago, the Reds are clearly enjoying life under Slot’s guidance.

Marking their return from November’s international break holding a five-point buffer at the top of the table, many have tipped Liverpool as a genuine title contender this season.

While some might have been disappointed during the summer transfer window as Italian international Federico Chiesa was their only permanent arrival, it has been suggested that Slot will be backed this time around.

With the January market fast approaching, there are reports that Slot is keen on bringing in some new attacking options to Anfield.

Alongside growing optimism that the record-breaking Mohamed Salah is keen on extending his historic tenure on the red half of Merseyside, Liverpool have been linked with some real European superstars.

Marcus Thuram – Inter Milan

Playing a leading role last season as Inter Milan got their hands on a history-making 25th Serie A crown, Marcus Thuram certainly hit the ground running following his arrival from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2023.

However, while the French international might have cemented his spot as a real fan favourite around the San Siro, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier in the week that Liverpool are set to reignite their interest ahead of the January window.

With it suggested that Thuram has a £70million release clause in his deal with the Italian giants, that report states that Slot’s side have already begun tentative discussions with the 27-year-old’s representatives.

While Inter Milan’s hierarchy might have stated that they have no interest in cashing in on their striking star, Slot has reportedly identified the 29-cap international has his dream January target.

With Thuram recording 29 direct Serie A goal contributions in just his first 47 appearances since arriving at the San Siro, there is no doubt that the Frenchman’s arrival at Anfield would be considered quite the statement.

🚨🚨| Liverpool have renewed their interest in Marcus Thuram, who has a £70m release clause that is active until the end of the 2027-28 season.

[@Gazzetta_it] pic.twitter.com/UQ3wt1oStv

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 20, 2024

Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford

While Brentford might have watched Ivan Toney ditch west London for a bank-breaking move to Saudi Arabia over the summer, the Bees don’t appear to be showing any signs of an attacking stutter since the England international cashed in his chips.

Alongside welcoming back Yoane Wissa from an injury issue last month, attacking talisman Bryan Mbeumo has continued to take the Premier League by storm and it is no surprise why the Cameroon international is attracting plenty of heavyweight interest.

Already notching eight goals in his first 11 Premier League appearances, the 25-year-old has only seen Manchester City icon Erling Haaland record more top flight goals so far this season.

With reports earlier in the month suggesting that Brentford have slapped a £60million price tag on the former Troyes youngster, Mbeumo himself has been vocal about his desire to play Champions League football.

Although Thomas Frank’s men might be desperate to keep hold of their leading marksman and avoid a similar situation that unfolded with Toney over the summer, The Sun are reporting that Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Mbeumo’s situation.

Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo are among the players being scouted by Liverpool as they assess future targets that could play for Arne Slot 🔴pic.twitter.com/6uFvJkvpnT

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 2, 2024

Ricardo Pepi – PSV Eindhoven

Watching PSV embark on what has been an astonishing flurry since opening the new campaign, a huge part of their success has come thanks to their budding young attacking talisman.

Arriving at the Philips Stadion last summer from German outfit Augsburg for a reported fee in the region of €11million, Ricardo Pepi has quickly blossomed into one of Europe’s hottest starlets.

Finding the net in back-to-back appearances with the USA during November’s international break, it has been suggested that the 21-year-old is attracting some major heavyweight interest.

Recording six Eredivisie strikes in his first 11 appearances so far this season, Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano hinted that the former Dallas youngster could be set for a big-money move away from Holland.

Receiving a string of praise from new United States boss Mauricio Pochettino, it has been suggested over the past week that Slot is a huge admirer of the 33-cap International after watching him during his time in charge at Feyenoord last season.

🔴🇺🇸 Ricardo Pepi remains one to watch in January as there’s a chance to leave PSV.

Several clubs started approaches as Pepi has scored 8 goals in his last 475 minutes played.

2 goals with USMNT this window under Pochettino. pic.twitter.com/2vcguGKZ16

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 21, 2024