Liverpool lining up England star to become Arne Slot's first signing in controversial move: report

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Liverpool are drawing up their list of targets for the summer –and one of them could be bad news for Arsenal's hopes in the market

Incoming Liverpool coach Arne Slot responds during the press conference to a possible transfer to Liverpool FC after the Dutch Eredivisie match between Go Ahead Eagles and Feyenoord Rotterdam in De Adelaarshorst on April 25, 2024 in Deventer, the Netherlands. ANP VINCENT JANNINK (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Liverpool want to bring in an England star this summer as Arne Slot's first buy – and it could send shockwaves through the Premier League.

The Reds are set for a big summer with long-serving boss Jurgen Klopp heading for the exit door. Feyenoord manager Slot is set to replace him and is said to be keen on putting his stamp on a squad who have limped into third spot in the table after leading the Premier League at several stages.

Slot could well ruffle feathers, too, bringing in a superstar at the expense of Arsenal – while upsetting local rivals, too. 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks dejected during a game against Norwich City in September 2021.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could see his transfer plans ruined by Liverpool (Image credit: Getty Images)

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon in a deal that could scupper Arsenal’s summer transfer plans.

Gordon joined the Magpies on a three-and-a-half-year deal in January 2023 and has impressed in his first full season at St. James’ Park. The 23-year-old has hit double figures for goal and assists in the Premier League, with 10 of each in 34 appearances – but the way he left Everton is still controversial among many Toffees fans.

But the performances of Gordon have also resulted in interest from the red half of Merseyside, according to The Star, in a transfer that could be explosive. The report claims that Gordon’s name is on the Reds’ shortlist of targets for a big summer ahead, with Jurgen Klopp set to depart at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Newcastle will be resistant to a sale, having spent £45 million to bring in the winger just 18 months ago, but will need to make at least one big-money sale to keep in line with Financial Fair Play rules this summer.

With that in mind, The Express writes that Liverpool’s interest in Gordon could be bad news for Arsenal’s hopes of landing Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker has been linked with an Emirates switch, but Newcastle could opt against a sale if they bring in big money from Gordon.

Newcastle player Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring the third goal from the penalty spot during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Sunderland and Newcastle United at Stadium of Light on January 06, 2024 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Arsenal are keen on Newcastle striker Isak (Image credit: Getty Images)

Gordon is valued at £43 million by Transfermarkt and has 12 goals and 11 assists to his name in 63 Newcastle appearances since his move to Tyneside last year.

The Liverpool-born forward came through the youth ranks at Everton after being released by Liverpool as a young boy.

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Alasdair Mackenzie

Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.