liverpoolecho.co.uk

Liverpool transfer news: Second offer inbound as Arne Slot prepares for£52m bidding war

It looks to be a busy January on Merseyside as Arne Slot looks to lead Liverpool to a strong Premier League finish - with a number of players linked with arrivals and exits from Anfield

Arne Slot looks on

It could be a busy month for Arne Slot(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)

View 4 Images

Liverpool are gearing up for a busy month as Arne Slot looks to strengthen his squad for the season's second-half. So far, there's been minimal activity at Anfield during the January transfer window, with the only new face being Mor Talla Ndiaye, who joined last week.

However, the 18-year-old is seen as a future prospect and is set to join the U21s upon his arrival. After a summer of significant expenditure, it remains uncertain whether the Reds will continue their spending spree in the current window - particularly after a less than stellar season by all measures.

Currently, the reigning champions are fourth in the Premier League table, trailing league leaders Arsenal by 14 points following an inconsistent start to 2025/26. Off the pitch, the rumour mill is buzzing with speculation about potential incomings and outgoings from the north west...

Liverpool to receive second Chiesa offer

According to Calciomercato, Juventus are preparing a substantially better offer for Federico Chiesa. The Italian forward has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since joining the Reds in 2024, making just 35 appearances under Slot in the years which have followed, reports the Mirror.

This season has been particularly challenging for the 28-year-old, who has failed to secure regular playing time despite Mohamed Salah's absence at AFCON and injuries to Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

As a result, the Old Lady are reportedly keen to bring Chiesa back to Turin, initially offering a loan deal with an option to buy. However, this proposal didn't meet Liverpool's expectations, leading Juventus to consider a loan with a mandatory purchase clause.

Federico Chiesa laughs

Federico Chiesa has seen very little game time with Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

View 4 Images

A £52m Real Madrid battle

Elsewhere, it seems Liverpool are set to join a bidding war for Kees Smit. The AZ Alkmaar starlet has been turning heads in the Eredivisie recently, prompting the Reds to keep tabs on him.

However, there's a snag - Real Madrid are also reportedly interested in the midfielder. With a hefty price tag of £52m, whoever secures the young talent could end up paying more than that to outbid the competition.

Kees Smit looks on

Liverpool and Real Madrid are linked with Kees Smit(Image: Getty Images)

View 4 Images

It comes as Liverpool have struggled to maintain consistent control in midfield this season, with Smit seen as a potential solution to their problems, alongside the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Newcastle United have also shown interest in the 19-year-old recently.

Update on Marc Guehi

Liverpool were close to signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace as the summer transfer window was closing, but the deal fell through at the last minute. However, it seems the Reds are ready to resume negotiations this month to finalise the move.

Marc Guehi looks up

Liverpool are once again linked with Marc Guehi(Image: Getty Images)

View 4 Images

In a remarkable development, reports suggest that Guehi views Liverpool as his preferred destination this month, despite attracting attention from the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. However, Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol maintains that there is "no favourite" in the battle to land the Palace captain at this stage, though the player is already said to understand 'exactly how he'd fit in' at Liverpool.

Although his current contract runs out this summer, the Eagles are understood to be demanding a fee of approximately £35m to sanction Guehi's early departure. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool are prepared to meet that asking price, or take their chances by waiting until the summer to secure him on a free transfer.

Read full news in source page