Liverpool have a huge window ahead of them this summer to build on the superb work conducted by Arne Slot during his first season in charge at Anfield.
The Dutchman claimed the Premier League title at the first time of asking, doing so with four games to spare - highlighting the excellent work he’s overseen in recent months.
However, many teams in England’s top flight are likely to bolster their ranks during the off-season to mount a charge to knock them off the perch they’ve found themselves on.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Such actions will mean that the Reds will also have to strengthen to avoid being caught and left behind by their rivals, increasing their chances of retaining their title.
It’s pivotal that Slot and the hierarchy need to bring in the right players if they are to succeed once again in 2024/25, with work already being done to land key targets.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new additions this summer
Various areas of the pitch appear to be in focus ahead of the summer window for Liverpool, but none more so than the attacking department, with countless names mentioned for a switch to Merseyside.
Benjamin Sesko, Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap have all been touted with a switch to join the club, as Slot looks to land a new talisman to provide the goods in the final third.
Benjamin-Sesko-Leipzig
However, in an attempt to aid any one of the aforementioned stars in their attempts at the club, they’ve also entered the race to land Lyon star Rayan Cherki, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
The report claims that the Reds are keen on a move for the 21-year-old star, who’s registered a staggering 32 combined goals and assists in his 44 appearances across all competitions.
It also states that the French side would be willing to part ways with the forward for a fee in the region of £34m this summer, with the youngster keen on a move to the Premier League ahead of 2025/26.
Why Liverpool’s £34m target is the dream Wirtz alternative
Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking midfielder, Florian Wirtz, has emerged as a key target for Liverpool over the last couple of days, with a move to Anfield on the cards this summer.
Wirtz-Leverkusen
It emerged that the German and his representatives travelled to Merseyside for talks with the club over a potential move to the club, but also face competition from Bayern Munich.
However, given his record of 30 combined goals and assists this season, it’s likely the 22-year-old could command a fee that would break their record transfer, currently standing at £85m for Darwin Núñez.
His tally represents that it would be a worthwhile deal, providing another level of creativity to the already impressive front line that fired the club to the title.
However, given the difference in fee, the hierarchy would be better off pursuing a move for Cherki, with the French star a much cheaper investment, subsequently allowing for further signings elsewhere.
Cherki-Lyon-Man-Utd-Europe
It may seem like a cost-effective solution, but when comparing the pair’s respective figures from the current campaign, the Lyon talent has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas.
Cherki, who’s been labelled “generational” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered more progressive passes and more passes into the final third - showcasing his creative nature with the ball at his feet.
How Rayan Cherki compares to Florian Wirtz in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Progressive passes
Pass accuracy
Passes into final third
Shot-creating actions
Take-on success
Aerials won
Stats via FBref
He’s also produced more shot-creating actions per 90, along with more take-ons completed, having the ability to produce chances for himself but also his teammates.
The youngster’s talents don’t stop there, winning more aerial battles, and registering a higher shot-on-target rate - handing the Reds an all-round threat within attacking areas.
Given the potential difference in transfer fee, the club should look to pursue a move for the Lyon star, having just as much, if not more, of an effect than Wirtz in attacking areas.
At just 21, he has the potential to explode into life on Merseyside, potentially being a bargain and a player to star under Slot for many years to come - handing them a boost in their ambitions of further success.
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