Liverpool set to REIGNITE old rivalry for Premier League star

Liverpool have never been shy of creating enemies and fierce rivalries have formed over the years.

Of course, the relationships with other clubs have always been well-intentioned and in good faith, but an extra layer of spice has been added to the Reds' pursuit of trophies over the last decade.

Manchester United have been overtaken as England's most successful football club of all time, and Everton have been consistently outplayed by the Reds in the derby contests over the last 10 matches.

Liverpool's closest competitors in recent times have been Manchester City, however, who helped themselves to two Premier League titles by edging out Jurgen Klopp's sides by one point in each.

The last couple of years have been a little different, with City winning a title when Liverpool were off the pace, and Liverpool doing the same with Pep Guardiola's side in disarray. It now, appears as though Arsenal will take home the crown, and Liverpool and City will reignite their rivalry off the pitch.

Semenyo's transfer is a win-win

After the tumultuous battles with City on the pitch, a shared respect was formed between the two sides, and fans coined the term 'CityPool' to use when reminiscing about the success from that era.

The slow rise of Mikel Arteta's side has somewhat bonded the two fanbases together in their shared disgust for the way the Gunners play their football - often relying on set-pieces without much flair.

Even though Guardiola is now just two points behind Arsenal in the Premier League, and Liverpool are only 10 points behind despite their nine losses in 12 games streak across all competitions, you feel as though it's imperative they give themselves a boost. Here lies the interest in Antoine Semenyo.

Reports are claiming that City are confident in their chances to sign the Bournemouth winger and the move is likely to be confirmed in a few days time when they January transfer window officially opens.

The £65m release clause is just sitting there waiting to be triggered and the Ghanaian is one of the best players in the league right now. He would be able to hit the ground running, wherever he went.

Liverpool are still cautiously optimistic about Semenyo and haven't given up hope yet. In the most recent updates, it's been claimed that the Cherries are expecting Liverpool to make a late approach.

Whether this happens or not is a mystery, but the forward would certainly help Arne Slot in his desire to qualify for next season's Champions League and limit the damage caused by the squad overhaul, even if the reality is that a centre-back ought to be the more important signing of the two this winter.

Either way, it feels important to consider the positives from the different destinations, and while most Liverpool fans would not be pleased to see Semenyo go to City, it might be a nice consolation to know that Arsenal will be less likely to win the Premier League if the Citizens are bolstered. Watching the Blues win another title won't be much fun, if it happens, but at least it wouldn't be Arsenal.

The Gunners have been quite insufferable over the last 12 months, claiming that Slot's maiden title at the club was tainted by interference from the PGMOL and making Arteta-Klopp comparisons when there's absolutely no basis for it. As such, the notion of 'CityPool' beating Arsenal warms by heart.

Liverpool will fight to sign Semenyo, regardless of how far advanced the negotiations might already be with City, but in all honesty, it might not be such a bad thing if the Reds happen to miss out on him.

A new centre-back is the best signing that Richard Hughes could make for Liverpool right now.

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