Arsenal to spoil Liverpool's January transfer plans

Liverpool have a weakness at left-back, that has become clear this season.

The partnership of Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas is not working for Andoni Iraola.

Neither player has stepped up to make the left-back position their own, and news that Liverpool are exploring potential replacements in January will not come as a surprise.

Several other positions also need addressing in the winter window, but left-back is a growing priority for the Anfield recruitment team and multiple players are being linked with Merseyside moves.

One such player is reportedly Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, but Arsenal may be about to spoil Liverpool's transfer plans.

The Barcelona left-back has been touted as the solution to all of Liverpool's problems, with former teammate Ronald Araujo thriving under Iraola early in the season.

The Spaniard could look to recreate Araujo's success and make the move to Merseyside, but Premier League rivals Arsenal are reportedly also eyeing up a move.

According to a report from Ekrem Konur, the Gunners could propose a swap deal that would see Balde head to London with Piero Hincapie heading the other way.

The report states that Balde's preference will play a part in where the Spaniard ends up if he does decide to leave Barca, and having Araujo on hand could be a big boost for Liverpool's recruitment team.

Arsenal looks like a side ready to compete on all fronts once again this season, so it may be hard to tempt Balde to Anfield, but Iraola may be able to promise more guaranteed minutes than Mikel Arteta, which will no doubt help the Reds' case.

Interest from the Premier League champions could force Liverpool to accelerate their own transfer plans, and negotiations over a deal for the 23-year-old may begin even before the window is open.

Julian Ward faces a tough task winning the Spaniard's signature if Arsenal are serious about making a move, but Liverpool will no doubt make a very attractive offer.