Liverpool will be hoping to bounce back from Arsenal’s defeat against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.The Gunners missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League when the Reds lost last weekend.
Mikel Arteta’s side are 3-1 behind the winners at the Emirates, while reigning champions Manchester City are just two points off the Reds and a win would take them top of the table.Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk missed his side’s game against Arsenal after colliding with goalkeeper Alisson, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to give them a second-half lead.
Despite his mistakes, the Dutchman remains an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad and club officials appear to be making plans to look for his replacement.According to the Evening Standard, the Merseyside club are eyeing Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo as Van Dijk’s replacement. The 26-year-old has impressed for Fulham over the past two seasons but his performances have gone unnoticed.
Adarabioyo is a product of Manchester City’s youth academy and spent loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers before joining the Cottagers. Since moving to Craven Cottage, the former England youth international has made 123 appearances in all competitions for Fulham.The defender’s contract expires at the end of this season, so his future in west London is highly uncertain.
As well as Liverpool, Italian club AC Milan are also interested in signing the centre-back when he becomes a free agent this summer.Van Dijk’s Liverpool team-mate Joel Matip is injured and could play his last game for United as his contract expires in the summer. The signing of Adarabioyo will help Liverpool live up to expectations next season.
