Liverpool have received significant encouragement in their pursuit of two key transfer targets as manager Arne Slot looks to revitalise his squad following a disappointing start to the Premier League season.
The Reds currently sit eighth in the table after 11 games, having suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat to Manchester City before the international break. This latest setback leaves them eight points behind league leaders Arsenal, increasing the pressure to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window.
Gnabry Free Transfer Opportunity
Liverpool are reportedly exploring a move for Bayern Munich and Germany winger Serge Gnabry, whose contract with the German champions expires at the end of the current season.
The 30-year-old former Arsenal player has been a standout performer for Bayern since his 2017 arrival, making 298 appearances and scoring 97 goals across all competitions. However, his future at the Allianz Arena is now uncertain.
According to Sky Germany, Liverpool are monitoring the situation closely, with Slot said to be keen on adding an experienced and versatile wide attacker to his options. Gnabry would be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January, potentially securing a high-profile Bosman transfer for the summer.
Bayern Munich have not given up on retaining their star, with contract extension talks reportedly underway. Manager Vincent Kompany previously praised Gnabry, calling him a "very underrated player" with "very few weaknesses".
Semenyo Bid Gets Bournemouth Blessing
In a significant development for Liverpool's winter plans, Bournemouth have effectively given the green light for a potential move for forward Antoine Semenyo.
Tim Bezbatchenko, Bournemouth's general manager and director of Black Knight Football Club, admitted on the Business of Sport podcast that the club would find it difficult to stand in the way of a player's ambitions if a elite club like Liverpool came calling.
"When a club like Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG come in and they're competing for Champions League positions, who are we to say, 'No, you can't go, you can't fulfil your dream'," Bezbatchenko stated, highlighting a pragmatic approach to player sales.
This admission will be particularly welcome news for Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes, who originally brought Semenyo to Bournemouth during his previous role at the club. The lightning-quick winger has impressed this season, scoring six goals and establishing himself as one of the Premier League's emerging attacking threats.
Guehi Deal Faces Champions League Hurdle
Meanwhile, former Liverpool player Jason McAteer has raised concerns about the club's ability to secure Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, suggesting Liverpool's potential absence from Champions League football could prove decisive.
Liverpool had previously agreed personal terms with the England international, only for Palace to block the move at the final stage. With Guehi's contract expiring next summer, he will be available on a free transfer, attracting interest from European heavyweights including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
McAteer warned that Liverpool's current league position could work against them in the race for the highly-rated centre-back. "If Liverpool drop off, there is no guarantee that they will qualify for the Champions League and that could be one thing which Guehi wants when moving as a free agent," he told AceOdds.
The former Republic of Ireland international added that Guehi is "a real talent who would go directly into the first team" at clubs like Real Madrid, making the competition for his signature particularly fierce.
As the January transfer window approaches, Liverpool face a critical period both on and off the pitch, with their ability to secure these potential signings likely to have major implications for the second half of their season and beyond.
