EPL: Paul Merson asks Liverpool player to sign as Salah, Mane leaves for AFCON

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has said that Liverpool needs to sign a ‘proper centre-forward’ like Wolves’ Raul Jimenez in the January transfer window.

Merson believes Jimenez can serve as a cover-up for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in Liverpool’s squad, adding that the Mexican international can help them win the Premier League title in the next few years.

Both Salah and Mane are set to miss a number of matches for Liverpool when they eventually leave for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, which starts on January 9.

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, will be left with Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota as his main forwards, but Merson thinks the Reds require a different option upfront.

“Liverpool needs to sign a centre forward like Raul Jimenez in January – and not just as cover for the African Nations Cup either,” Merson told The Daily Star.

“They need someone to come in while Sadio Mane and Mo Salah are away, yes. But I think they need someone for the future too.

“They need a player who can put pressure on the front three and help them win league titles consistently for the next few years. It is no good coming second for the next five years.

“Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino are very good players but I still think they need a proper centre forward and if they brought in Jiminez, he would play.”

Liverpool is currently in the second position on the Premier League table with 41 points from 18 games.