Liverpool news: Florian Wirtz sends Arne Slot clear message with Reds 'pushing' for transfer

Depending on your perspective, the timing of the latest international break is either a blessing or a curse for Liverpool. Prior to their players flying all over the world to their respective national teams, the Reds were hit with another late blow in their latest Premier League encounter.

It's almost as if the Anfield outfit are being made to pay for their abundance of late winners in the first five games of the season. Arne Slot's team were put to the sword by a gutting 96th minute strike that saw Chelsea take three points against the reigning Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Chelsea's 2-1 win over the Reds followed a 97th minute winner for Crystal Palace a week earlier. Sandwiched between was a tough evening in Istanbul as Liverpool lost to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

To their frustration, Liverpool will have to wait to make amends on the pitch until after the break. However, the two-week long hiatus gives Slot's team a chance to regroup and recalibrate, after falling behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

From talk over Florian Wirtz's best position, an ongoing swoop for Marc Guehi, as well as the possibility of yet another expensive addition to Liverpool's forward line, Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest news coming out of Anfield.

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Wirtz tells Liverpool his best position

It's not entirely gone to plan for Wirtz at Liverpool just yet. The German playmaker is yet to bag a goal or assist in the Premier League since joining in an £116m move from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

As a result, he has been the subject of intense scrutiny. Just where Wirtz should play for the Reds has also been a huge point of contention.

The midfielder has primarily played at No.10 during his time at Anfield so far, but he has also been deployed on the left of an attacking front three, most notably in the Reds' defeat to Palace.

Wirtz recently spoke to Sky Sports for an interview. Two of his former FC Koln youth coaches, Martin Heck and Markus Daun, also took part in the feature, with Wirtz revealing how the coaches granted him the freedom to express himself in his preferred position - just behind the forward line.

"He [Heck] was just always there for us, motivated us, especially for me," Wirtz said. "He gave me the freedom on the pitch. He put me in the position where I have to be, like behind the striker on the No.10 and just gave me the freedom.

"They were coaches that gave me the confidence that I need, that I can just play my own game and be the best version of myself."

Liverpool pushing to sign Guehi

Liverpool are trying everything to sign Marc Guehi on a free transfer next summer, according to reports from Germany. The England international had agreed personal terms on a £35m move to the Premier League champions in the summer.

Palace withdrew from negotiations after failing to secure a suitable replacement, leaving Guehi's dream transfer in tatters. However, it looks like they're going to face stiff competition courtesy of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

According to reports, the Bavarian giants head of sport, Max Eberl, is said to be an admirer of the Eagles skipper. Rumours are suggesting that Bayern have already held talks with the player’s camp with a view to snapping the player up on a free next year.

Semenyo transfer eyed by Reds

Liverpool are reportedly just one of the clubs currently interested in signing Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international has impressed so far this season with nine goal contributions in seven Premier League appearances, including two goals against Liverpool.

According to talkSPORT, Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes is a ‘big admirer’ of the player. Hughes, previously of Bournemouth, brought Semenyo to the Vitality Stadium in January 2023 for £10.5m from Bristol City.

However, his value is now set to be closer to £75m, meaning Liverpool would have to fork out big money yet again on their forward line to secure the star.

Frimpong clashes with Spurs star

Ever the life and soul of the party, Jeremie Frimpong could not resist a cheeky pop at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur’s Xavi Simons during the Netherlands’ latest training session.

In a video doing the rounds on social media, the ex-Leverkusen star can be seen taking part in a rondo session with his team-mates. Frimpong had to be switched on to keep the ball in play following a volleyed pass from Simons.

The rondo then broke down when the ball eventually went back to the Spurs star. Simons then protested with team-mates before the rondo began again. However, after failing a second time, Simons ran off with the ball, kicking it high into the air.

Never one to keep it low-key, Frimpong then ran to the camera man filming the session and said: “See, this is what losers do, bro! Sore loser, bro. Why did he kick the ball away?” Turning to Simons, he then said: “Hey, have respect, have respect bro!”

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