Liverpool hopes to defeat Arsenal in the $64 million transfer battle by emulating Naby Keïta’s tactics…

Liverpool aims to outdo Arsenal in the $64 million transfer battle by employing the same strategy that proved successful in acquiring Naby Keïta from RB Leipzig in 2017. The Reds face stiff competition in their pursuit of a defensive target, much like they did when signing Keïta.

As the Anfield era approaches, Liverpool’s summer signings have already started to generate speculation and excitement among fans. With just three games remaining under Jürgen Klopp’s leadership, starting with Sunday’s match against Tottenham, the team is eager to make a strong finish.

Arne Slot is currently the frontrunner to succeed Klopp, as Liverpool and his current team Feyenoord have already reached an agreement regarding compensation. Slot’s desire for the position has been made clear, and finalizing the personal terms is likely a mere formality.

In his new role as “head coach,” Slot will primarily focus on team development and coaching, rather than managing the squad. While he may not possess the same level of authority over transfer targets as Klopp, he will work closely with Richard Hughes, the new sporting director, to identify potential candidates.

Willian Pacho, the defender for Eintracht Frankfurt, is one of the players still linked with a possible move to Liverpool. Despite only joining Germany a year ago from Royal Antwerp in a $9.6 million (£7.7 million/€9 million) deal, the 22-year-old has attracted attention from various clubs.

According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, both Liverpool and Arsenal have reached out to Pacho, but Frankfurt is not looking to sell him this summer. However, Liverpool might try to replicate their successful move for Naby Keïta in 2017.

After convincing Liverpool to sign Keïta, the Guinean midfielder joined the following summer from RB Leipzig, avoiding interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona. SportBILD suggests that Liverpool could sign Pacho at the end of the season and then loan him back to Frankfurt.

Liverpool is reportedly concerned that if the Ecuador international spends another season in the Bundesliga, his value will increase even further.

Therefore, they are hopeful that Frankfurt will see the value in their proposal. Regardless of the terms of the transaction, Frankfurt is still seeking around $64 million (£51 million/€59 million) for the player.

With Joël Matip set to leave on a free transfer, Liverpool’s priority list is likely to heavily feature central defenders. It is expected that another addition will follow Pacho’s potential move. According to the Telegraaf, Lutsharel Geertruida from Feyenoord is keen to join Slot at Anfield.

During his time at Anfield, Keáta did achieve success by winning the Premier League and the Champions League. However, his growth was hindered by injuries.

He only made a few appearances in the previous season before leaving on a free transfer to Werder Bremen.

Nevertheless, his return journey to Germany did not go according to plan. Despite only making five appearances for his new club, he was recently suspended until the end of the season for allegedly declining to accompany the team on their travels.

As reported by Liverpool.com, Pacho has quickly established himself as one of Germany’s top defenders during his time at Frankfurt. With the upcoming season, he is likely to gain even more recognition, prompting Liverpool to consider taking action this summer.

Acquiring the 22-year-old could prove to be a shrewd move for the Reds, allowing him to further develop at his current team.