Arda Guler move could solve ultimate Arne Slot problem for Liverpool and unleash Mo Salah

With new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot set to imprint his own philosophy on the club's playing style next season, a move for Real Madrid outcast Arda Guler could prove an astute measure.

The Dutchman's approach with Feyenoord was to operate with a 4-2-3-1 formation when in possession, with this adapting to a 4-4-2 without the ball. Although not a majorly significant departure from the 4-3-3 utilized under his predecessor at Anfield, it does remain to be seen whether Slot will look to play with an attacking midfielder in a No. 10 position.

Having gone with this approach in his homeland, the prospect of this coming to pass does bring up the question of who in the Reds' ranks would be best placed to perform the role. The obvious candidates would be Harvey Elliott, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister from the current Liverpool roster - all of whom have the prerequisite attributes to play in that position.

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In addition, some observers have mooted the possibility of Salah moving inside from his usual wide-right position next term - given the Egyptian's ability as a provider as well as a goalscorer. However, any decision to adapt the 32-year-old's role is fraught with risk, not least due to his productivity on the wing.

With the Kop hero having scored 25 times in 44 games last term, he was by far Liverpool's most reliable attacking threat in his natural role as part of an offensive trio. With this in mind, Anfield's recruitment chiefs may instead decide to dip into the transfer market to bring in a ready-made reinforcement in that area if those options are deemed to be more useful in other roles in the squad.

One emerging starlet who could fit the bill in that respect is Turkey's Guler, who has earned rave reviews for his performances for his country at Euro 2024. Demonstrating his inalienable talents, his recent long-range strike against Georgia in a 3-1 win will likely be among the contenders for the Goal of the Tournament.

Having been linked with Liverpool in recent weeks, as per Marca, via the Paisley Gates, his name will be one that Reds supporters will be familiar with already. The ten-time international has long been mentioned as a potential star of the future but his lack of minutes at club level appears to have piqued the interest of potential suitors.

His prodigious abilities earned him a move to Real Madrid last year after impressing for boyhood club Fenerbahçe in his homeland. However, aged just 19, the youngster initially struggled to break into the side at Santiago Bernabeu last season and he had to wait until January to make his league debut.

The attacker's performances in the second half of the campaign proved impressive, though, as he eventually established himself in Carlo Ancelotti's team with six goals in 12 outings. Having only played 447 minutes across the campaign last season, it does remain to be seen whether the prospect will be itching for more first-team exposure next term.

In what may come as a blow to clubs interested in Guler's services, the Italian coach has insisted that the player will remain in the Spanish capital next season. Speaking in April, he said: "He’s going to be very important in the future and there’s no doubt that he’ll stay here next year."

Still, with Slot about to usher in a new era at Anfield, a swoop for the highly-rated teenager would make sense for both parties - whether it be as a loan move or a permanent transfer. Potentially solving the issue of who should fill the No. 10 role in the head coach's expected set-up, signing a specialist in that position could prove a shrewd call from the Merseysiders' recruitment chiefs.