Liverpool's bid for a return to Premier League title contention this season could hinge on the next few weeks of transfer business. Andoni Iraola is yet to make the kind of widespread changes some fans would have been hoping for when he first replaced Arne Slot this summer.
The Reds were quick out of the blocks at the start of the transfer window but business has slowed to a halt. Several weeks have elapsed since Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz were confirmed as Liverpool's opening summer acquisitions, with no further additions to date.
Iraola's side have also been tasked with preparing for the new campaign with the current squad, which will face Monaco at Anfield on Sunday. The ECHO has dissected the latest murmurs on Merseyside as Liverpool look to wrap up more business before the window closes.
Dressing room view on Konsa transfer
Aston Villa's squad are reportedly growing 'increasingly concerned' that Ezri Konsa will depart this summer. The Daily Mail has reported Liverpool target Konsa is drawing ever closer to a switch away from Villa Park.
Despite having already brought Jacquet to the club this summer, further defensive additions are understood to remain firmly on the agenda at Anfield. That need has arguably been heightened by Joe Gomez's recent injury blow, while Jacquet and fellow youngster Giovanni Leoni continue to work their way back to full fitness.
A significant stumbling block in Konsa's case would be Villa's reported £60million asking price. That figure would represent a considerable outlay for most centre-backs, but particularly so for one who is due to turn 29 in October and has fewer than two years remaining on his contract.
It is all the more frustrating for Liverpool, then, that Konsa could meet their needs so precisely. The England international is capable of operating at centre-back or right-back, the two positions in which Liverpool's defence is most desperately crying out for new faces.
Arsenal enter Barcola race
Liverpool's chase for Bradley Barcola could become a lot more difficult after Arsenal reportedly joined the competition for his signature. This leaves the Reds facing potential disappointment once again after Real Madrid pipped them to the capture of Yan Diomande.
Barcola was touted as Liverpool's alternative target, with negotiations reportedly in progress to secure a deal. Arsenal have also been thwarted by Real after Vinicius Jr allegedly weighed up a switch to the Emirates before committing to a contract extension.
This has prompted them to redirect their attention in the pursuit of a left winger, with Barcola appearing to be their next preferred option. Mikel Arteta has already recruited Christos Tzolis in the position but is keen to strengthen the position further.
The Independent has reported Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez and Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye. Alvarez has signalled his desire to depart Los Rojiblancos, though Diego Simeone is reluctant to sanction his exit.
This could push the north London outfit further towards Barcola, which will hardly be welcome news at Anfield. The Reds have reportedly reached a personal agreement with Barcola and are now working to thrash out a deal with PSG. The Ligue 1 champions were initially holding out for as much as £145million for their player, though a more achievable figure of £109m has since come to light.
