Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Paul Merson predicts a less than ideal scenario where Liverpool could face the loss of their out-of-contract trio of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

As Arsenal, Merson's old stomping ground, narrowed Liverpool's cushion to a mere nine points following a 2-1 victory against Fulham, concerns rise over the Reds' long-term squad stability, in spite of them still spearheading the table ahead of the highly-anticipated Merseyside derby.

Yet, despite the ongoing success, the unresolved futures of stalwart defender and skipper Van Dijk, right-back maestro Alexander-Arnold, and goal machine Salah loom like dark clouds.

Time is running thin, and as Merson contemplates, the potential collective departure by July is nothing short of "criminal."

The Arsenal icon made a bold statement in his Sky Sports column, writing: "I've been saying it for the last eight or nine months - I don't see any of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk signing at Liverpool," and added, "Because I just don't know why you wouldn't have signed already.

Unless Liverpool are prepared to give them £30m, £40m in their bank account."

Discussing Liverpool's potential strategy, he noted: "If Liverpool want to keep on being successful and go again next year, they've got to keep Van Dijk and Salah, assuming Alexander-Arnold has already gone." Highlighting the value of the players, he mentioned: "I think Van Dijk and Salah are the best in the business in their positions

On the consequences of losing key players, he stressed: "If you lose Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, you've lost half of the back four

Paul Merson believes Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah will also leave Liverpool
For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.