Football news: Virgil van Dijk's verdict on Liverpool replacement as transfer snub explained
Liverpool are preparing for the Carabao Cup final and Virgil van Dijk has spoken on the Reds need to utilise a replacement while Arsenal and Mikel Arteta suffer a blow
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorAfter a night of European action saw Manchester United and Tottenham progress in the Europa League, and Chelsea advance in the Europa Conference League, attention can turn elsewhere on Friday.
Wembley awaits for Newcastle United and Liverpool on Sunday, while Premier League battles recommence as Arsenal attempt to claim onto a faint thread of their title aspirations against Chelsea. The Reds already lead by 15 points as they look to recover from a Champions League exit by earning Arne Slot's first piece of silverware in the Carabao Cup.
Of course, no matter the time of year, transfer talk is never too far away either. Mirror Football takes a look at some of the bigger stories from the football world over the last 24 hours.
Kimmich explains u-turn
Joshua Kimmich has revealed why he decided to remain with Bayern Munich, after renewing his contract until 2029 despite reported talks with Arsenal. The versatile German star was said to be a target for the club with his contract set to expire this summer berfore he agreed new terms.
It appears no team had the draw of his home at the Allianz Arena however. Kimmich has detailed that his remaining aspirations in football saw him commit to Bayern and not pursue a move to the Premier League. He said : "At FC Bayern, I have the best environment to achieve my sporting goals. I made my decision based on that.
“There's currently no better package of teammates, coaching staff, and club environment for me to achieve maximum success. I feel comfortable here, and I'm not finished yet."
Arsenal have also been linked with one of Kimmich’s current teammates, Leroy Sane. The German wideman is also out of contract this summer.
Van Dijk backs Alexander-Arnold replacement
Virgil van Dijk believes that Jarell Quansah has already shown he is capable of stepping into Trent Alexander-Arnold's shoes ahead of the Carabao Cup final. Liverpool's vice-captain and right-back has been ruled out of Sunday's final after picking up an issue against Paris Saint-Germain and usual replacements Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are also out injured.
That means Quansah is expected to fill in for Alexander-Arnold against Newcastle on Sunday. His Dutch captain was matter-of-fact on the prospect.
"Everyone who's on the bench or not starting has to try and make an impact," Van Dijk declared. "I've not even spoken to Trent as I've not seen him yet, I've no idea what it is. If Jarell plays right-back, then he has to do as best as he can do. He has shown tonight that he can do it."
Robinson speaks out on Liverpool links
Antonee Robinson has played down the prospect of a summer transfer to Liverpool. The Fulham and United States left-back has been long linked as a potential successor to Andy Robertson at Anfield, having enjoyed an impressive season at Craven Cottage.
But Robinson, 27, told ESPN that he attempts to avoid the rumour mill, as much as his friends and family may be interested.
He said: "Transfer rumours and stuff like that, I try not to look at. Especially like with the Liverpool one - all my friends and family are from Liverpool, so it's more of them messaging me than me seeing newspaper stuff. And I have to say, 'Look, it's just, just a story in the paper and anyone who's doing well is going to get linked to a team'."
Should Liverpool sign Antonee Robinson? Have your say in the comments section.
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