Liverpool transfer news: Reds open talks for in demand Premier League striker

Arne Slot just won the Premier League on his first attempt, and he isn’t stopping there.

Liverpool were the dominant force in English football this season and the Reds are looking to get even stronger this summer.

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A number of truly elite talents have been linked with an Anfield switch, including players from across the Premier League.

One of the most intriguing players Liverpool are reportedly pursuing is Christopher Nkunku, who currently represents Chelsea.

The Frenchman could provide cover in a number of positions for Slot’s side and, according to a new report, the Reds have already opened discussions for him.

Nkunku on Liverpool’s shortlist

According to French outlet Footmercato, Nkunku is on Liverpool’s shortlist as they look to recruit a new striker and negotiations have already been initiated over the move.

The 27-year-old’s versatility is listed as a key reason for the Reds’ interest and Nkunku is considering a departure from Chelsea just two years after arriving in a €60 million deal.

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Richard Hughes won’t have a clear run at the former RB Leipzig forward however, as the report claims that Newcastle and Bayern Munich are also both interested.

It is unclear how much Chelsea would demand for Nkunku’s signature, with a fee of around £50 million rumoured, and Football Transfers estimate his transfer value to be €51.7m (~£44m).

Would Nkunku fit in at Anfield?

Known for his elite passing as well as his ability to beat a man, Nkunku would be a facilitator in Liverpool’s attack.

The Frenchman can be deployed right across the front line and even slightly deeper in the midfield, and this versatility is something Liverpool look for when recruiting. This is why links between the Reds and Nkunku date back to before his Chelsea move.

At 27-years-old, the Chelsea star is slightly older than the Reds’ ideal target, but he still has many good years ahead of him and is about to enter what is typically thought of as a forward’s peak age.

Nkunku has struggled to nail down a place in Chelsea’s starting XI since his arrival, with injuries and the sheer number of options available at Stamford Bridge, but the forward has still managed to be effective when on the pitch.

In just 2,039 minutes this campaign the 27-year-old has managed 14 goals and 5 assists, or a goal involvement every 107 minutes.

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A move for Nkunku might not have been what many Liverpool fans were expecting this summer, but momentum is starting to build and this could be one to keep an eye on.