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Arne Slot rates the German midfielder highly, and the Reds are now very close to bringing the midfielder to Anfield this summer.

Slot is one of the main decision-makers at the club regarding transfer targets this season.

According to many sources, he played a key part in convincing Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong to sign for Liverpool.

Florian Wirtz has reportedly made up his mind to join the Premier League champions after Slot presented a clear sporting project to the German midfielder.

Arne Slot might be planning to give the youngster a playmaking role, anchoring the midfield alongside World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.

Fans could see Wirtz in a number 10 role on the pitch next season.

Talks between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen are progressing well.

The deal could be done in the coming days, with Liverpool confident of sealing it soon, as per the latest reports via Fabrizio Romano.

Despite Wirtz being on the verge of joining the club, the Dutch mastermind reportedly cut his holiday short to meet Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki, according to reports from The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Liverpool are considering the French midfielder as a backup if the Wirtz deal falls through.

ALSO READ: Liverpool star is not joining Bayer Leverkusen this summer

Liverpool are close to completing the deal with Bayer Leverkusen, but the transfer fee could become a major issue.

The German side reportedly wants €130–150 million for Wirtz and even rejected Liverpool’s previous bid.

In this situation, Slot didn’t sit back.

He reportedly cut his holiday short to meet Cherki.

The 21-year-old midfielder had an impressive season for Lyon, registering 11 assists and scoring 8 goals in Ligue 1 during the 2024/25 season.

His playing style is very similar to Florian Wirtz’s, but he plays more in the final third as a forward.

Although both playmakers are suitable for the number 10 role at Anfield, and Slot is said to rate them highly.

Cherki’s contract with Lyon runs until the summer of 2026, and Liverpool might get him at a cheaper price.

Manchester City are also in the race to sign Rayan Cherki, as they look to rebuild their squad and prepare for the post-Kevin De Bruyne era.

Wirtz remains Liverpool’s top target, but the club are also keeping an eye on the French forward.

ALSO READ: Liverpool forward added to potential summer departure list


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