Liverpool explore potential alternatives in negotiations with Florian Wirtz, as transfer talks continue to linger: source
Insider Scoop on Liverpool and Man City's Transfer Plans
With Liverpool already scooping up Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez on their radar, the Premier League champions show no signs of slowing down this summer. The Reds' engine is running at full speed, hinting at more signings imminently.
And one name that's been making waves is Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz. Considered one of the hottest properties in European football, Wirtz could be a valuable addition to Arne Slot's arsenal as they defend their title. But as negotiations with Wirtz continue, Liverpool isn't counting its chickens just yet.
Transfer expert David Ornstein revealed that Slot held talks with a potential backup option - Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, despite the speedy progress of negotiations with Wirtz. According to Ornstein, both Liverpool and Manchester City have expressed interest in the French youngster, with City currently focusing their efforts on him.
In contrast to Wirtz, Cherki won't come cheap. Contrary to reports, Cherki's contract does not have a release clause worth €22.5 million, and Lyon is holding out for a more substantial fee. City, however, is highly motivated to bring him on board, especially with the exit of Kevin De Bruyne.
Cherki shone in the 2024-25 season, catching the eye of the top English clubs with his consistent Ligue 1 performances and headline-grabbing displays in the Europa League. His impressive campaign earned him 12 goals and 19 assists across the league and Europa League, placing him among the most productive attacking players in Europe's major leagues.
Compared to Wirtz, Cherki may not have the defensive edge, but he fits City's tactical needs well. Ornstein notes that City has been relying more on ball-carrying to create chances, and Cherki, with his passing abilities, fits seamlessly into that scheme.
Liverpool and Manchester City's focus on Wirtz and Cherki, respectively, reflects their determination to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. Both clubs are active in the transfer market, exploring various options to add depth and quality to their teams. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on these and other exciting transfer saga as the summer transfer window is just heating up!
FUN FACT: Did you know that Liverpool has already made a move to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid[3]? Stay tuned for more exciting transfer news!
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- Despite Manchester City's persistent interest in Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, Liverpool continues to pursue Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz as they seek to bolster their squad for the upcoming season, showcasing a competitive spirit within the Premier League.
- Sports analysts have been evaluating the potential impact of adding Europe's brightest talents like Wirtz and Cherki to the respective rosters of Liverpool and Manchester City, as their performances in European leagues suggest they could significantly enhance the offensive capabilities of these clubs.
