Liverpool are ready to open the transfer floodgates for Arne Slot after the Dutchman masterminded a Premier League title win in his first season on Merseyside. And the hard work of sporting director Richard Hughes means that a collection of transfer deals could be ticked off almost immediately.
With the summer window opening this coming Sunday, Slot’s squad may already have been given a facelift by the end of the week. Here, Express Sport takes you six incomings and outgoings that are either approaching completion or could get to that point over the coming days…
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The open secret of Alexander-Arnold’s departure has finally been acknowledged by Slot and the player himself. He is set to join Real Madrid as a free agent, and with Los Blancos reportedly willing to pay a small fee in order to get him in before next month’s Club World Cup, it seems inevitable that the deal will be formally announced at the earliest opportunity.
Jeremie Frimpong
Just as Alexander-Arnold leaves, his replacement is expected to sign on the dotted line. Liverpool have reportedly triggered Frimpong’s £29.5million release clause and the Bayer Leverkusen full-back has already completed his medical. All that’s left to do is for the move to be announced.
Florian Wirtz
Liverpool have surged ahead of Bayern Munich in the race for the Leverkusen attacking midfielder. All parties are believed to be keen to reach a swift resolution, which may force Leverkusen to come down on their £126m asking price. There is a full week to find a compromise before the window opens, and the Reds are firmly in the driving seat.
Milos Kerkez
With Frimpong set to be snapped up to replace Alexander-Arnold on the right side of defence, Liverpool look poised to tie down Andrew Robertson’s long-term heir on the left. According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between the Reds and Bournemouth are ‘continuing well’, Kerkez wants the move and it ‘could be done soon’.
Luis Diaz
Wirtz can play in a variety of attacking positions, including on the left flank, which could leave Diaz consigned to the bench. Although the Colombian’s exit does not appear imminent, he has been linked with Barcelona for months, and Blaugrana chief Deco has openly admitted to being a fan of the wide man.
Federico Chiesa
Another move that is not on the cusp but could conceivably accelerate quickly involves Liverpool bench-warmer Chiesa. The Italian has hardly featured this campaign, and AC Milan are reportedly ready to table a loan offer which includes an option to buy.