Cody Gakpo transfer dismissed as 'improved' Florian Wirtz given Liverpool backing

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SportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool forward Cody Gakpo has been linked with a transfer away from Anfield this summerLiverpool legend John Barnes believes Cody Gakpo should stay at Anfield - but that an "improved" Florian Wirtz means the Dutchman would not need to be replaced if sold.The Reds are looking to overhaul their forward options this summer following the departure of Mohamed Salah, the long-term injury to Hugo Ekitike and doubts over the future of Federico Chiesa.Spain international Victor Munoz has been brought in from Osasuna for £34.5million while Liverpool are continuing to assess potential right-wing options having seemingly lost the race to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.Gakpo has nevertheless also been linked with a potential exit after a disappointing season at Anfield during which he scored only nine goals, compared to the five he netted in six games for Holland since the end of the domestic campaign.But while not keen on Gakpo leaving, former Liverpool winger Barnes is convinced Wirtz will prove to be a success following a difficult debut season having joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m last summer.Speaking to Betfred, Barnes said: “We’ve already have the likes of Wirtz, Ekitike and (Alexander) Isak, as well as (Rio) Ngumoha coming through now, so I think we’re okay from an attacking perspective, but I would like Cody to stay because he’s a very good player and he won the league with us.“There’s a lot of speculation, but I don’t think we’re lacking from an attacking perspective and if somebody was to leave, then I think we will see the emergence of an improved Florian Wirtz next season because I believe he’s a fantastic player.“I don’t want to see Cody go but if he did, then I don’t believe we’d have to replace him.”FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageChoose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCCody GakpoLiverpool FC transfer news