With his first season at Anfield complete with the Premier League trophy, Arne Slot’s preparations for a crucial summer transfer window are underway. 

Jeremie Frimpong became Liverpool first signing of the summer last Friday, with the club activating a release clause in his Bayer Leverkusen contract and the right-back could be joined by Florian Wirtz soon, with the Reds already his chosen destination and only final details to be completed over a British record transfer fee. 

In terms of outgoings, reliable understudy goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, completed a move to fellow Premier League side, Brentford on Monday for a £12.5million fee that could rise to £18million with add-ons. 

Luis Diaz is another to have caught plenty attention in recent weeks for a possible departure away from Anfield. 

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Strong interest from Saudi Arabia and renewed links with Barcelona have raised the prospect of a move and while Liverpool aren’t actively pushing a sale, they are believed to be open to offers that meet their valuation. 

Diaz brings energy, unpredictability and goals, but in a system increasingly build around control and structure, there’s a sense the club may look for a more tactically refined option out wide. 

If any deal is to materialise, Arne Slot and the recruitment team will need to act swiftly for a replacement, and we will be discussing five potential candidates in the event of the Colombian departing Liverpool this summer. 

NICO WILLIAMSJuan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images.

If Liverpool are looking for a winger who can match Luis Diaz for pace, flair and intensity, then Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao is an obvious choice. 

The twenty-two-year-old has been one of La Liga’s most exciting attacking outlets over the past three seasons, attracting interest from numerous top clubs. 

Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona are among the admirers of Williams and a valuation north of £90million would be required to entertain any sale for Athletic Bilbao. 

As for Liverpool, the Reds were deemed to have an interest in the player last summer, but while there is no rush to sell Luis Diaz, the club appears to be focusing on other targets in the coming weeks. 

Nico Williams will almost certainly re-enter the picture if Arne Slot opts to part ways with his Colombian winger. 

MALICK FOFANAAFP.

One of the most intriguing, emerging talents linked with Liverpool as a potential Luis Diaz replacement is Malick Fofana, the twenty-year old winger from Lyon. 

Quick, technically sharp and confidence in high-pressure situations, the Belgian youth international fits the mould of the Reds’ evolving wide forwards. 

Fofana has just enjoyed a breakout campaign in France, scoring eleven goals while assisting six which has caught interest from top European clubs, alongside Liverpool. 

The admiration for Fofana is real from club officials at Anfield and recent reports suggest that the winger would welcome a move, if Diaz chooses to move on. 

This would be a low-risk, high-ceiling addition to usher in a new attacking phase for Liverpool. 

ANTHONY GORDONAlex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images.

Anthony Gordon’s name has been dotted around the Liverpool picture for some time. 

The Reds have continued to hold the Newcastle United attacker in high esteem, ever since an agreement was made in principle, last summer, for a player swap involving Joe Gomez in the opposite direction. 

Gordon, a lifelong Liverpool fan despite Everton connections, was reportedly keen on the move but with the Magpies finding other alternatives to meet the Premier League’s financial regulations, the transfer then stalled and eventually struck dead for that window. 

Newcastle remain in a strong position of negotiations, but the player’s own ambitions could prove decisive. 

For Liverpool, Gordon’s profile ticks many boxes, being homegrown, Premier League proven and about to enter his prime years, but a large stumbling block would be the fee and Eddie Howe’s side securing UEFA Champions League football for next season. 

JAMIE BYNOE-GITTENSBVB.De

Arne Slot has identified Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, as a possible successor to Luis Diaz. 

The England Under-21 international fits the very profile that Liverpool is hoping to pursue, exploring wide options with high potential and resale value. 

The twenty-year-old winger has impressed in Germany with his direct running, flair and maturity beyond his years, ultimately leading to growing attention. 

Bynoe-Gittens is reportedly open to a new challenge and Dortmund’s willingness to listen to offers could bring him into reach for Liverpool, albeit for a certain price tag. 

If the Reds decide to sell Diaz for a substantial fee north of £70million, then the young talent could become a strategically sound reinvestment that would blend immediate impact, with long-term upside. 

MAGHNES AKLIOUCHEGetty Images.

A promising option for Liverpool to consider this summer is Maghnes Akliouche, from AS Monaco. 

Akliouche has been impressive in Ligue 1, particularly during last season, where his creative output demonstrated his ability to influence games at a high level. 

Vision, quick feet and ability to unlock defences make him an attractive prospect for Liverpool, who seek to maintain attacking fluidity. 

Monaco are known for carefully managing their assets and Akliouche’s valuation reflects his growing reputations as one of Ligue 1’s most exciting talents. 

If Arne Slot plans to investigate replacing Luis Diaz in his side, then Akliouche would be seen as a shrewd piece of business. 

At only twenty-three, he combines proven experience with plenty of room for growth. 

The French winger aligns with Arne Slot’s tactical vision and can prevail in a versatile role across the forward line. 

As Liverpool face a summer of change, a decision will need to be made on the uncertain future of Luis Diaz. 

If they opt for a sale, then the club must find a suitable replacement and however they plan to manage the process, will lead on to play a significant role in shaping their ambitions for next season.

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