Liverpool are set to battle Arsenal for the signature of one of Europe's brightest talents in the upcoming January transfer window.
Liverpool's summer spend not paying off
The Reds spent nearly £450m on new signings in the summer, but Arne Slot has bemoaned the lack of opportunities for his new arrivals due to injuries.
"I think a lot has been said by so many people about the amount of money we’ve spent," said Slot ahead of the Reds' first fixture of 2026, as they prepare to welcome Leeds United to Anfield on Thursday.
"But unfortunately not all of the money we’ve spent we have used and that has to do with the injuries of these players."
Summer signing Florian Wirtz finally scored his first Liverpool goal in the win over Wolves however, and the manager was full of praise for his number seven.
"I think he's (Wirtz) had multiple good games for us but I also feel he gets better and better every single game he is playing for us. He gets fitter and fitter and was getting closer and closer to his first goal. Then it was not a surprise to me that he scored one today, but he would probably be the first one to understand that one goal is not enough."
FSG are expected to back Slot again in 2026, especially in the wake of the fallout over Mohamed Salah's future, and they have now made contact for a young playmaker who could replace the Egyptian's creativity.
Liverpool's Florian Wirtz Related
[Wirtz will make him "world-class": Liverpool ready to push for £65m star](https://www.footballfancast.com/wirtz-will-make-him-world-class-liverpool-ready-to-push-for-semenyo/ "Wirtz will make him "world-class": Liverpool ready to push for £65m star")
Liverpool are ready to react to opportunities during the January transfer market.
Liverpool making phone calls for Kenan Yildiz
According to Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, Liverpool and Arsenal have made phone calls regarding a move for Kenan Yildiz.
The Juventus youngster would cost around £88m, and it now seems as if FSG have gone so far as to make contact with the Italian club.
kenan-yildiz-juventus-serie-a
The report claims Juve have been left panicking by the contact from England, and are pressing "full speed" ahead to try and tie Yildiz down to a new contract.
The Turkey international, who is at his best in the number ten role but like Wirtz can play on either wing, has scored 13 times and provided eight assists for club and country this season.
Scout Ben Mattinson believes the 20 year-old is "100% a superstar" and will be at his best occupying a 'second striker' role behind a more recognised number nine.
Yildiz, for his part, is not agitating to leave Turin, but while the new deal remains unsigned, more and more rumours will circulate about his future.