Arne Slot will be hoping that his first Liverpool transfer is close.
Liverpool have had a relatively quiet summer transfer window, with new head coach Arne Slot still to make his first acquisition. Though no formal or advanced movements have been made, it is quite likely that the Reds have been working behind the scenes to prepare for the forthcoming season.

Anthony Gordon, Nico Williams, Johan Bakayoko, Leny Yoro, and Riccardo Calafiori are among the players connected with a move to Anfield. Slot has now officially been in his role for over a month, so it should be evident what positions Liverpool wants to enhance and, as a result, which players to buy. 

Calafiori of Bologna is one name that has piqued the curiosity of several teams, including Liverpool, with the expectation that he will leave Italy this summer, which would also rule out a move to Juventus, who had been leading the fight for his signature.

A long-term Liverpool transfer target appears to be on the move after a package deal of €25 million (£21.1 million) was completed. With that said, ECHO Sport has looked at the most recent Liverpool transfer updates and rumours.

Calafiori Updates
Liverpool appear to be trailing Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to recruit Calafiori, but could be ahead of Juventus. 

According to Fabrizio Romano, both London teams have lately discussed the terms of a potential deal to sign the Italian. It has also been stated that Bologna prefers to sell abroad, with club director Giovanni Sartori appearing to confirm this.

“There is talk of Juventus, but there are also many other teams,” he told Sky Sports Italia. “At the time, we’ll strive to keep him. If important offers arrive, we will have to think about them.

“I do not think he will go to Juventus, he will probably go in a different transfer window, but I repeat that we would like to try to keep him.” 

According to Kieran Horn of the ECHO, while Liverpool is not currently touted as a likely destination, a big transfer boost has been announced. Calafiori’s move to Juventus appeared inevitable considering that he had previously accepted the offer, but this may not be the case.
Liverpool are desperate for a replacement after Joel Matip’s departure, and signing a left-footed player would be an added benefit. Whatever Arsenal and Chelsea are doing for Calafiori, Liverpool must replicate and then improve, with the 22-year-old the ideal first acquisition for Slot to open the club’s new era.

Thuram transfer deal and long-term Liverpool transfer target. Khephren Thuram appears to have settled on his next club.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder will leave Nice and join Juventus in a €25 million (£21.1 million) package deal. The 23-year-old has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle, and the Reds, but has decided to leave France for Italy ahead of the 2024/25 season.

THE ECHO says: Though Liverpool was heavily linked with Thuram last summer, it was quite probable that ship had sailed before his Juventus deal was completed.

Slot and Jurgen Klopp having the same targets was totally plausible, but not a given, considering the latter’s midfield renovation a year ago, which makes further signings doubtful. Liverpool’s goal will surely be to bolster its defence and attack, unless a unique market opportunity arises elsewhere.

And, while it was a good deal for Juventus, Liverpool would have had no reason to re-enter the competition for his services.