Arne Slot gets major transfer boost as club green light deal for key target

Lyon will let Rayan Cherki move on this summer once the right offer arrives in a boost to Arne Slot ahead of predicted summer of hectic activity at Anfield

Liverpool target Rayan Cherki is free to leave Lyon this summer if the right offer comes in, according to reports. The attacking midfielder is wanted by Arne Slot, whose squad is set for a significant revamp despite them running away with this season’s Premier League.

And cash-strapped Lyon will not stand in Cherki’s way if he wants to leave this summer, according to the Sun. Borussia Dortmund had an offer of £19m turned down for Cherki in January, while Fulham came up short in their attempts to sign him 14 months ago. Chelsea have previously been linked too..

It remains unclear whether the Reds’ big three of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold or Mohamed Salah will stay or go this summer when their contracts expire. Either way, Liverpool are set to actively recruit having failed to do much business last year.

Despite that they are 12 points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League table with nine games to play, ensuring Slot’s first campaign at Anfield having faced the daunting challenge of replacing Jurgen Klopp.

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Cherki has scored six goals and provided nine assists so far this season and has a contract that runs until the summer of 2026. Lyon are fifth in the Ligue 1 table with Paulo Fonseca’s team facing an uphill battle to return to the Champions League.

In less positive news for Liverpool first choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker had to return home from international duty after suffering a suspected concussion when playing for Brazil on Friday morning.

In a social media post Alisson said: “Hey guys, just to let you know I’m fine. Just have to follow the protocols! Thanks for the messages,” alongside a love heart emoji and a folded hands emoji.

And there was further drama among Liverpool players in South America when midfield star Alexis Mac Allister became embroiled in a multi-player brawl during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay on Friday night with the melee started because of a mistimed tackle on his Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez.

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