Liverpool gets double transfer boost for first Arne Slot signing with £45m ‘agreement’ sealed…

Liverpool have been handed a significant boost in the transfer market with the news of their first signing under Arne Slot, as they have reached an agreement for a £45m deal.

Liverpool’s summer transfer window has been relatively quiet so far, with new head coach Arne Slot yet to secure his first signing.

Despite no official announcements or advanced negotiations, it appears that the Reds have been working diligently behind the scenes to prepare for the upcoming season.

Players like Anthony Gordon, Nico Williams, Johan Bakayoko, Leny Yoro, and Riccardo Calafiori have all been rumored to be potential targets for Liverpool.

With Slot now settled in his role for over a month, it is expected that the club’s transfer targets and desired positions for reinforcement will become clearer.

One player drawing interest from multiple clubs, including Liverpool, is Bologna’s Calafiori.

It is anticipated that he will leave Italy this summer, potentially ruling out a move to Juventus, who were previously leading the race for his signature.

A long-standing transfer target for Liverpool appears to be close to completing a move, as a package deal worth €25million (£45.1m) has been finalized. ECHO sport has provided an overview of the most recent transfer updates and rumors concerning Liverpool.

Calafiori transfer update

Liverpool seem to be trailing behind Arsenal and Chelsea in the pursuit of Calafiori, but they may have an edge over Juventus.

As per Fabrizio Romano, both London clubs have been looking into the possibility of signing the Italian player.

Reports suggest that Bologna is leaning towards selling him abroad, with club chief Giovanni Sartori hinting at this direction.

There are discussions about Juventus as well as several other teams,” he informed Sky Sports Italia. “Currently, our aim is to retain him. However, if substantial offers come in, we will need to consider them.

“I doubt he will head to Juventus; it is more likely to happen in a different transfer window. Nevertheless, we are keen on retaining him.”

While Liverpool is not being linked as a possible landing spot at the moment, there has been a notable development in the transfer scenario.

Calafiori’s anticipated move to Juventus, having been previously agreed upon, seemed certain, but that may not be the case.

Liverpool is in need of a replacement for Joel Matip, and it would be an added bonus if the replacement is left-footed.

Liverpool should follow the example of Arsenal and Chelsea in their pursuit of Calafiori, and consider making the 22-year-old their first signing to kickstart the club’s new era.

Khephren Thuram, a player Liverpool has been eyeing for a long time, seems to have made a decision regarding his next club.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder is poised to depart from Nice and join Juventus in a €25million (£45.1m) package deal.

Despite interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle, as well as Liverpool, the 23-year-old has opted to leave France for Italy for the 2024/25 season.

Liverpool’s connections to Thuram were strong last summer, but it was probable that the opportunity had passed before his transfer to Juventus was finalized.

While it was possible for both Slot and Jurgen Klopp to have the same targets, Klopp’s focus on rebuilding the midfield a year ago made it unlikely for more additions in that area.

The priority for Liverpool is clearly to strengthen the defense and attack, unless there is a unique opportunity in the market elsewhere.

Despite being a bargain deal for Juventus, it would not have been logical for Liverpool to re-engage in the race for Thuram’s signature.