Arne Slot reveals Liverpool transfer plan as Richard Hughes rivals PSG for Luis Diaz replacement

Arne Slot
-Credit: (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)


Arne Slot will be keen to strengthen the Liverpool squad this summer. The Reds have already been linked with some big names, like Rodrygo, Jeremie Frimpong and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but it remains to be seen whether or not Richard Hughes will wheel out the war chest.

While Slot may be eager to welcome a few new faces to Anfield, Liverpool higher-ups will be working overtime to keep their best players. Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold all see their current deals expire in June 2025, meaning the club could miss out on millions if they're either not sold or tied down to new contracts.

Meanwhile, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez face uncertain futures. So, with that being said, the Liverpool Echo have rounded up all the biggest transfer stories on Wednesday evening, June 19, as the Reds undergo a rebuild.

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Slot outlines transfer plans

In his first official interview as Liverpool head coach, Arne Slot claimed he'll be working closely with Richard Hughes to bolster the squad this summer. The newly appointed Reds boss said: "For me, it is normal because this is the way it is in Europe and in Holland.

"I don't think there is much of a change between a head coach and a manager, it's just that by being a head coach I can go in fully to the things I would like to do. So, work with the team, prepare the team in the best possible way. And me and Richard are going to work together when it comes to transfers but not only the two of us – there is a big backroom staff included in this as well.

"I think for me it is the way I have worked always and it for me is the ideal way of working because I can use the most of my time by working with the team and the time that is left will probably be a bit for the family and a bit to talk with Richard about how we can strengthen the team. But we already have a really strong team."

Liverpool identify Diaz replacement

Liverpool appear to have found a replacement for Luis Diaz, who's been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona. According to CaughtOffside, the Reds have lodged an enquiry with Napoli regarding a deal for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The report states that Liverpool have asked how much the 23-year-old winger could cost. The CIES Football Observatory currently Kvaratskhelia at €80m (£67.5m), with his contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona set to expire in June 2027.

CaughtOffside add that Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the Georgia international, whose father and agent have recently spoken out about wanting him to leave Napoli. It's said that Kvaratskhelia will discuss his future with the Italian giants after Euro 2024.

Klopp target's price tag slashed

Liverpool could finally sign one of Jurgen Klopp's reported targets for half price this summer. According to German newspaper Rheinische Post, as quoted by the Evening Standard, Manu Kone has been given a £15m price tag just one year after the Reds were quoted upwards of £30m.

The report states that Klopp tried to sign the midfielder last summer following an impressive campaign for Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga. A move didn’t materialise and Liverpool signed Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo instead.

Fast forward 12 months and Kone’s asking price has been slashed as the German outfit look to raise funds. Monchengladbach finished one point clear of the relegation play-offs, with the 23-year-old struggling to impress in the middle of the park.