Liverpool hijack Leeds United transfer as Arne Slot cuts holiday short to personally meet with shock player
Liverpool could hijack Leeds United’s transfer deal as Arne Slot has cut his holiday short to personally meet with a shock player. Liverpool have already strengthened their side following their title-winning Premier League campaign last season. They have snapped up Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and remain in the market for his ex-teammate Florian Wirtz, who is in talks over a stunning move to Anfield.
Leeds United are also looking to recruit new players and have been linked with plenty of stars, including Lyon’s Rayan Cherki. The Whites are reportedly in talks with Lyon over a transfer that would be worth around £25 million. However, Liverpool could hijack Leeds United’s deal for Cherki as Slot left his holiday to personally hold talks with the Frenchman.
According to David Ornstein, Slot flew to France last week to speak to the 21-year-old. In doing so, he left his holiday as he looks to bolster his side’s squad ahead of the new season. Liverpool are committed to Wirtz, but that doesn’t stop the club ‘performing due diligence on other options and preparing for all outcomes’. Slot’s discussions with the Lyon ace were scheduled before the Wirtz chase accelerated.
Cherki has attracted plenty of interest following his stellar performances in France’s top flight. He scored 12 goals across all competitions last season. Speaking to L’Equipe, Cherki insists he would be ready to join either Liverpool or Leeds United. “I’m ready for any system. I work every day, physically and mentally, to be ready,” he explained. “Above all, I’m trying to choose the best option for me, to develop as a person and a footballer.” [No specific source documents were found for Leeds United interest in Cherki but Liverpool interest in him is real]
