Liverpool tipped for title challenge and labelled 'better' than Arsenal as they shake off Saudi interest in Salah... for now

Liverpool have been told they are capable of challenging for the Premier League title this season after keeping Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool insisted that Salah was not for sale despite heavy interest from the Saudi Pro League to make them their biggest signing of all time.

Al Ittihad had been desperate to snap up the Egypt international and it's reported they were willing to form out a fee totalling a world-record £215million.

But with the Saudi Pro League transfer window coming to an end on Thursday night and no bid accepted, Salah is staying put.... for now.

While Liverpool might have kept their prized asset, they might have simply staved off the inevitable with Saudi clubs set to make another move next summer.

Al Ittihad are one of the teams expected to push for the Reds superstar.

But they could be joined by Al Hilal in a transfer race, despite them signing Neymar over the summer, says talkSPORT's Ben Jacobs.

The Brazil international was brought in for £69m, the current record for a player moving to the Gulf State.

But while Liverpool still retain Salah's services, they have been told they're in a better position to beat Manchester City to the title than Arsenal.

That is the verdict from ex-Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant, who is quietly confident about the Reds' chances this season.

He said on Kick Off: "Minimum [expectation] is top four. The way we have started so far is ten times better than how Liverpool started last season.

"They look solid. Little bit worried about the defence but going forward, they look strong.

"The midfield is a really good midfield now. Young, energetic, [Dominik] Szoboszlai looks very good.

"Keeping Mo is not only going to be good for Liverpool but good for everything to do with Liverpool.

"The players will see Mo there, they know what he will give you. Goals, assists... and with him staying there, they should know be looking to challenge Manchester City like they have for the last five years, bar last season.

"At the moment, I'd say Liverpool are in a better place than Arsenal. I'll say in the games so far, they have played a lot better than Arsenal.

"Mikel Arteta is still tweaking... he is trying to fit people into the team.

"Write Manchester United off, because they are all over the shop. I think if Liverpool played Arsenal, Liverpool are the better team and would be favourites going into that game."

Premier League Champions: Betting Odds

Manchester City - 4/9

Arsenal - 5/1

Liverpool - 6/1

Tottenham - 20/1

Manchester United - 25/1

*Odds correct of 13:00 08/09/2023