Liverpool will '100 per cent' pursue a striker in 'busy' summer window - but Arne Slot will not be granted 'transfer war chest' despite healthy budget

The Reds have a healthy budget at their disposal on the back of landing the Premier League title in 2024-25. They are aware of the need to reinforce in order to stay ahead of domestic rivals - such as Manchester City and Arsenal - that are expected to splash the cash.

After seeing little movement across his reign so far, Slot is in the process of drawing up recruitment plans with the Anfield board. He is busy identifying areas in need of improvement, with potential targets being lined up.

The Daily Mail reports: “Liverpool have money to spend this summer and will do so. I think the old cliche ‘transfer war chest’ is going too far, mind, and they are not suddenly going to finance a summer akin to one like Todd Boehly would do at Chelsea or Sheikh Mansour in his early days of Manchester City.

“But Liverpool will certainly be spending money and Arne Slot is set to be backed with a decent budget that allows them to splash out while still keeping within the parameters of their business model which is about clever deals. They will not buy for the sake of it but certain positions have been earmarked for improvement.”

Having seen 33-goal Mohamed Salah provide attacking inspiration again this term, the Mail adds on efforts to bring in assistance for the Egyptian superstar: “Liverpool want a striker – that is 100 per cent certain. They are also prioritising a left-sided defender. I think it is close to a guarantee they will improve those areas and then, beyond that, they could look at a central defender, a midfielder and wide attacker depending on exits.

“A lot is dependent on who leaves, as it is understood they will look to move some players on and balance the books. It may well be the end for Darwin Nunez at Anfield after three up and down seasons

“At striker, it is obvious why they want one – Darwin Nunez has not been good enough, Diogo Jota has struggled for form and fitness, while Luis Diaz is better as a left winger despite his best efforts as a No 9.

“The manager has discussed many times how Liverpool have not blown teams away – a lot of the wins have been by narrow scorelines – and often compared this to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City who, Arne Slot says, used to win by bigger margins.

“As we have reported in the past, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is one to watch. I would rule out Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap, Victor Osimhen has been linked but I have not heard anything on that one yet.”

Liverpool have tied Salah and club captain Virgil van Dijk to contract extensions. That is allowing them to focus on new recruits, while also addressing the issue of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future as his deal runs down towards free agency.