Liverpool handed 'dream' transfer green light as long-term proposal made for Riccardo Calafiori

It's getting to that time of the summer when teams are beginning to filter back to pre-season training meaning Arne Slot and Liverpool are close to kickstarting a new era.

The new era at Anfield under the Dutchman will start with eyes of the football world on it after a successful period under Jurgen Klopp. Before a ball has even been kicked, business in the transfer market has already caught the eye of what Slot is intending on doing on Merseyside.

As well as a new attacker, the Reds are targeting a new midfielder and defender in a potentially vital window. And while left-back may not be viewed as a position for concern, Rayan Ait-Nouri continues to be linked with a move.

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The Wolves wing-back has been linked with a move to Anfield for some time after his dazzling performances in the West Midlands. Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be tracking him, but according to journalist Dave Davis, Liverpool are the defender's preferred 'choice'.

It's thought the club have a 'good relationship' with Ait-Nouri's entourage and Liverpool will now fancy their chances of signing the Wolves star. Speaking to Anfield Index (via Give Me Sport), Davis said: "There was a story by an Algerian journalist saying that Ait-Nouri was wanted by a lot of clubs, but Liverpool is the defender’s first choice.

"Definitely legs in this one, just because he's been linked so frequently and LFC have a good relationship with his agents. So I think that there's definitely something in that."

Meanwhile, Liverpool are set to miss out on Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori after Premier League rivals Arsenal officially made their first move for the Italy international.

Various reports in the past 24 hours have suggested that the Gunners are now in pole position to sign Calafiori. Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Mikel Arteta's men have presented a long-term proposal to the player, with the 22-year-old said to be 'open' to moving to the Emirates Stadium if the two teams can agree terms.

Liverpool have been linked with the defender but it's reported only Arsenal and Chelsea are in talks with Bologna.