Long-term Liverpool target ready to join, Andoni Iraola wants him

Andoni Iraola has already helped change the way that Liverpool's first-team squad looks.

He was one of the main driving forces behind Victor Munoz's Anfield switch this summer with the Spaniard also having a say on the other two deals that were agreed in the transfer window.

The move for Jeremy Jacquet was already completed back in January so, unfortunately, he can't really take the credit for that one.

However, since he took over from Arne Slot, it's clear that many changes were needed.

And, while a lot have taken place, plenty more still need to occur.

So, the fact that one of the Reds' long-term targets is now ready to join the Anfield outfit is massive.

Malo Gusto is ready to leave Chelsea amid Liverpool's recent interest in him

Throughout the summer, Liverpool were linked with several defenders.

In the end, Jacquet and Ronald Araujo were the two who ended up joining.

However, after an injury-ridden season during the 2025-26 campaign, it was unclear whether just bringing those two in would give the Reds enough depth.

That's why a last-minute bid from the Reds made it's way into Chelsea's offices on deadline day.

Obviously, the deal was never agreed and everyone seemed to move on but, thanks to a recent update from TEAMtalk, that no longer seems to be the case with the Frenchman now ready to pack his bags and leave London.

"Malo Gusto is ready to leave Chelsea in the January transfer window, with the club also open to the possibility of his departure, TEAMtalk understands," they wrote.

"Liverpool also made enquiries about the defender in the summer, while Tottenham Hotspur were among the other Premier League clubs to explore his availability.

"Both could yet emerge as potential destinations if Gusto’s situation at Stamford Bridge continues to develop in the coming weeks and particularly with the Reds open to signing a specialist right-back in 2027 owing to their own well-publicised issues with the position and amid doubts that the Reds will fork out to sign Ronald Araujo on a permanent basis.

"However, if Liverpool do press the button on that deal, they will not have things all their own way, with the interest in Gusto not restricted to England, and with several European clubs also keeping tabs on the Frenchman.

"Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Como and RB Leipzig are among those to have shown an interest, giving Gusto a number of potential routes away from West London.

"Chelsea are aware of the growing interest and are open to the prospect of a January exit."

Malo Gusto could be a perfect transfer for Liverpool

One of the main positions that Liverpool have struggled to strengthen over the last couple of years is their right-back.

Trent Alexander-Arnold exited Anfield last season and, Conor Bradley always seems to find himself on the side-lines due to injury.

Indeed, Araujo may have helped in that department this term but, since his deal isn't a permanent one, his future is still up in the air.

If the Reds choose against extending Araujo's stay, they'll be a right-back down once again and, with Joe Gomez's contract set to expire in June 2027, they could end up with Bradley and Dominik Szoboszlai as their only options.

Obviously, this is far from ideal and not what a title-challenging team needs.

So, depending on how much Chelsea want for Gusto, the Frenchman could be a perfect signing for them.

He's already got a decent amount of Premier League experience under his belt and, since he's only 23 years old, there's plenty of time for him to grow into an even better player than he already is.

At the moment, it's anyone's guess what could happen but, for now, the fact that Gusto is willing to exit Chelsea could end up being enough to re-ignite Liverpool's interest in the right-back again.