Liverpool are closing in on the Premier League title, but Arne Slot has no time for sentiment and is now set to replace one of his star names this summer by bringing in an in-form player, per reports.
Liverpool set themselves up for exciting summer with title almost guaranteed
Despite Everton's valiant effort at Anfield, Liverpool prevailed in Wednesday night's Merseyside Derby to restore their 12-point advantage over Arsenal at the Premier League summit.
Arne Slot will have witnessed his side produce better performances this campaign, though few have yielded such an important result as the Dutchman leads his side ever-closer to a second title of the modern era.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot being interviewed before the match
Uncertainty reigns over the future of Liverpool trio Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. The former is reported to be on his way to Real Madrid, while the other two mentioned have yet to put pen to paper on deals that expire in only a couple of months.
Prompting action on the transfer front, Slot wants to bring Rayan Cherki to Anfield this summer and the French playmaker could be available at under £25 million after striking an agreement to leave Lyon.
Working on the premise that Alexander-Arnold does depart for Spain, Freiburg right-back Kiliann Sildillia is also on Liverpool's radar despite alternative interest from Manchester City, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion.
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Careful consideration needs to be applied to any arrivals that do come in to replace established squad members on Merseyside. The Reds will likely head into next term defending the Premier League title, making them a prime target for scalps in Slot's second season.
Leaving nothing to chance, the ex-Feyenoord boss is now in the hunt to sign an in-form defender who could become the long-term successor to one of their star assets.
Liverpool want Milos Kerkez to become Andy Robertson successor
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are on track in their pursuit of Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez replacing Andy Robertson at left-back, and the Hungary international may arrive at Anfield this summer should they meet his £45 million evaluation.
Seeking competition within his backline, Slot and company are aware the 21-year-old is ready for a move to one of Europe's elite clubs, even if the Cherries plan to play hardball in negotiations.
Andy Robertson vs Milos Kerkez - Premier League statistics in 2024/25
Andy Robertson
Appearances
Chances created
Successful crosses
Tackles won
Duels won
Milos Kerkez
Appearances
Chances created
Successful crosses
Tackles won
Duels won
Broadly speaking, one or the other hold the monopoly on certain statistical metrics. However, having both compete for the first-choice left-back berth at Liverpool for the next while to come would be exciting for supporters to witness.
Eventually, Kerkez will take over the mantle due to his status as an upcoming star, so it makes sense for the Reds to address £160,000 per week earner Robertson heading into his twilight years soon enough rather than ignoring the inevitable possibility that he will succumb to age-based decline.