Liverpool have genuine interest in signing Shkodran Mustafi from Arsenal as they seek to address their defensive woes, reports claim.
The Reds are in desperate need of a centre-back following further injuries to Fabinho and Joel Matip this week, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez already long-term absentees.
Jurgen Klopp has revealed the club will try to sign a defender before the January window shuts on Monday – and according to the Evening Standard, Arsenal’s Mustafi has emerged as an option.
The German, 28, is out of favour under Mikel Arteta and his contract expires this summer.
Mustafi has not started a single Premier League match for the Gunners this season, amid suggestions the World Cup winner’s contract could be terminated early this month.
That would allow Mustafi to move on a free transfer, with ex-Gunners teammate Sokratis joining Greek side Olympiakos earlier this month after his contract was ripped up.
The same publication claim no contact has made with Arsenal yet, although that could change in the coming days.
Mustafi, who has not played for Arsenal since Boxing Day, is understood to be open to leaving the Emirates this month if the right opportunity presents itself.
Speaking on BT Sport earlier this week, ex-Liverpool striker Peter Crouch expressed his view that his former side need to sign a defender before Monday’s deadline, saying: “It means those boys can go back into midfield, Fabinho and Henderson.
“It takes so much away from the midfield if they are dropping back in. The kids are kids; they are not ready for the Premier League at the moment.
“And a stopgap at the moment is exactly what Liverpool need.”