Liverpool transfer news amid Anthony Gordon claim as Arne Slot ‘reaches’ $43m target

Anthony Gordon is still going to be linked with Liverpool for some time to come, it seems, after the Newcastle United winger emerged as a possible target last week. While those talks have now fallen through, that may not be the end of the story.

But the front line is not the only position Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes should prioritise this summer. A new centre-back is essential and a world-class defensive midfielder would be ideal if that is possible.

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Here’s Liverpool.com’s verdict on the transfer gossip that has emerged around the Reds today. There’s another update surrounding Gordon’s future, but we start with a look at a player who won the Bundesliga last year and helped his side to an unbeaten domestic campaign.

Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)

According to German outlet Sport BILD, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has personally contacted Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong in a bid to convince him to move to Anfield. The player is said to be available to sign this summer for a fee of around $43 million (£34 million/€40 million), which would be a relative bargain in the current transfer climate.

Several other clubs across Europe are also believed to be keeping an eye on the player, who was extremely impressive under Xabi Alonso last season as Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title. Manchester United, for example, are also believed to have made contact.

Liverpool.com says: It would only make sense to buy Frimpong if he was to play at right-back and Trent Alexander-Arnold was ready to move into midfield. The chances of that happening are certainly slim given the tight turnaround until the start of the new season.

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)

Liverpool’s interest in Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon has not disappeared, according to the Daily Mail, although talks over the 23-year-old broke down last week. The Magpies were keen to include Jarell Quansah to be involved in the part-exchange deal.

There are suggestions that Liverpool could return for the player before the end of the summer because a deal is “not completely dead”. Gordon is only under contract until 2026 at St James’ Park and while Newcastle are keen to extend his deal, it is not yet known whether he would be open to it.

Liverpool.com says: Gordon would be a superb signing for Liverpool, but doing so this summer won’t be easy. If Hughes can pull it off, he should definitely be working to make it happen.