Liverpool have been causing excitement among their fanbase as they line up some big moves in the summer transfer window.
It is expected to be a busy summer at Anfield, as the Reds look to build on a sensational first season under Arne Slot.
On Wednesday, supporters went into overdrive after being told that Liverpool held a meeting with Florian Wirtz over a transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.
Wirtz could be a perfect signing for Liverpool, remedying the need for more creativity while also providing a potent goal threat.
Clearly, the 22-year-old will be a big miss for Leverkusen, and the German club are reportedly already working to line up his replacement.
But according to new reports from France, Wirtz’s soon-to-be former club could find that their top target ultimately ends up at Liverpool as well.
Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool in pole position for Rayan Cherki
Liverpool are attempting to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creativity in the transfer market this summer.
Instead of providing a like-for-like switch with Alexander-Arnold at right-back, the Reds are expected to look at creative additions in other areas of the pitch.
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Wirtz would certainly fit the bill in that respect, but so too would Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki.
And according to Foot Mercato, Liverpool still find themselves in pole position to land Cherki this summer.
READ MORE: All signs point towards Liverpool signing Rayan Cherki as Arne Slot identifies key performance issue
The 21-year-old is reportedly available for between £25-30m and is said to be favouring a move to the Premier League.
That seemingly makes Liverpool his most likely destination at this point, with the Reds named along with Borussia Dortmund and Leverkusen as the most interested parties.
Cherki is claimed to be on Leverkusen’s list of players to replace Wirtz should he leave, but with the Frenchman more keen on a move to England, Liverpool could now land a double blow.
Could Liverpool sign Cherki and Florian Wirtz?
There are some similarities in the way Cherki and Wirtz play. Both tend to operate as attacking midfielders who play in between the lines.
DOB (Age) Price-tag Appearances Goals Assists
Rayan Cherki 17/08/03 (21) £30m 184 29 39
Florian Wirtz 03/05/03 (22) £126m 196 54 62
Rayan Cherki vs Florian Wirtz
With Liverpool already employing Dominik Szoboszlai as their most advanced midfielder, some would argue there is not really a need to add one, let alone two more options in this area of the pitch.
However, the Reds clearly do need a little more invention, and there is also a possibility they are targeting Wirtz to be their new No. 9.
If that is the case, then Slot may still want another No. 10 who can provide a creative alternative to Szoboszlai.
Given his low price-tag and his incredibly high potential, Cherki would seem like a very good option in this respect. Wirtz currently seems less likely to happen, but we would not rule out the chance that Liverpool bring in both.