Liverpool isn't messing around so far this summer. Jeremie Frimpong has already been snapped up after his release clause was triggered, while Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez could be next.
Having won the Premier League title last season, Liverpool wants to double down on that success and go again in 2025/26. And as well as getting its business done early, it will also have the advantage of a full summer that isn't disrupted by the Club World Cup or any major international tournament.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. We start with one player who won't be signing for Arne Slot this summer.
Rayan Cherki (Lyon)
Liverpool head coach Slot spoke with Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki about a possible switch to Anfield, but the Reds have decided to go with Bayer Leverkusen and Germany star Florian Wirtz. The 21-year-old has decided to join Manchester City.
Said to be valued at somewhere between $39 million (£30 million) and $46 million (£34 million), Cherki will be considerably cheaper than Wirtz this summer. However, that has not deterred Liverpool.
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Cherki told L'Equipe in an interview this week that he is ready to leave Lyon. "I’m ready for any system. I work every day, physically and mentally, to be ready," Cherki said. "Above all, I’m trying to choose the best option for me, to develop as a person and a footballer."
Liverpool.com says: Cherki could be a snip for Manchester City but the bottom line is that he isn't as good as Wirtz. Even though the German is going to cost more, he will be worth it. Wirtz is a real game-changing addition; a future Ballon d'Or contender.
Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)
Labeled the 'next Erling Haaland', RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is of interest to Arsenal this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to add some quality to his side in the final third. But Liverpool could also supposedly enter the race, according to Ben Jacobs.
Alexander Isak was tipped to be someone both clubs chased but even before Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League, that always looked unlikely. And Atletico Madrid is desperate to keep hold of Julian Alvarez too.
Benjamin Sesko.
Benjamin Sesko. (Image: Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
With those two perhaps off the table, there are not loads of other options for teams looking for a number nine. Sesko is one; Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, linked with Liverpool and Chelsea, is another.
Sporting CP's Victor Gyokeres might also fit into that category. Manchester United is also said to be in the running for him, where he could link back up with Ruben Amorim.
Liverpool.com says: Sesko is talented but a little raw. If he is going to cost around $91 million (£67 million), that sounds like quite a lot for someone who would be something of a project.