
How liverpool attack could look next season with wirtz and cherki double act
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Liverpool could once again have one of the most feared attacking forces in Europe - should Florian Wirtz enter the fray. The Reds are pushing to complete the record deal for the Germany
international but are yet to meet Bayer Leverkusen's demands. Arne Slot's side tabled a record-shattering £109million bid which fell short of the Bundesliga side's
expectations but both clubs are hoping for a swift resolution to conclude the deal. Wirtz's move to the Premier League is being highly anticipated after establishing himself as one of
the latest stars of the Bundesliga. The 22-year-old's signature would be a marker of intent, as well as breaking the club and Premier League record for a fee paid for a player, as they
go in search of creating a dynasty and capitalise on their top-flight triumph last term. Jeremie Frimpong has already been added to the squad as part of the restructuring following Trent
Alexander-Arnold's departure. Liverpool are also interested in Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez. The Reds had, arguably, already secured their biggest signings after ensuring that
captain Virgil van Dijk and Player of the Season, Mohamed Salah, extended their stays at Anfield. This summer poses as an interesting one for the reigning champions with Darwin Nunez, Luis
Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota all the topic of speculation over an exit. Nunez has been the target for clubs in the Saudi Pro League, while reports suggest Atletico Madrid are eyeing his
services. The Gulf is also said to be casting its microscope over Diaz and Jota, with Barcelona heavily linked over a possible move for the Colombian. Bayern Munich have emerged as reported
contenders to sign Dutchman Gakpo, who came into his own under Slot and became a mainstay for the Premier League run-in. But the focus is on signings at Anfield with Liverpool determined to
land Wirtz, who is currently preparing for Germany's Nations League semi-final against Portugal. Who follows him remains to be seen with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike and
Goncalo Ramos linked with moves to Liverpool, should there be further alterations in the forward line. The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the Reds boss cut short his holiday to meet Rayan
Cherki in the south of France. They reported that the Reds are committed to Wirtz but it will not stop them doing due diligence on other options and preparing for all outcomes. The meeting
with Cherki is said to have been pre-arranged prior to the move for the Germany international speeding up. Liverpool's Premier League rivals Manchester City are said to be making a
concerted effort to bring the Frenchman to the top-flight as part of the evolution at the Etihad Stadium. Slot opted to deploy a fluid 4-2-3-1 system during his title-winning season, which
saw the likes of Diaz, Jota and Nunez feature as the striker while Gakpo, the Colombian, Federico Chiesa and Salah have all featured in the wide positions. Jota has had his injury problems
which hampered his availability during their Premier League-winning campaign, while Slot's first signing Federico Chiesa struggled to overcome a stop-start beginning to his Liverpool
career - which has sparked links with a move away. Wirtz can play on the left but has predominantly played down the middle and it has been suggested that he will be mainly used in the number
10, attacking midfield, position. Cherki can play across that final third, featuring mainly from the right, but can swap wings as he did during the Europa League quarter-final against
Manchester United where he scored in both legs, although it ultimately ended in disappointment. With Paris Saint-Germain winning the Champions League in style, the quality coursing through
their squad poses as a threat to what Liverpool hope to achieve on a global stage, highlighting the importance to strike while the iron is hot and create a well-oiled machine. Slot has 12
months under his belt with the team and changes look likely after finding himself let down by fringe players when they were given opportunities throughout the season. The Dutchman will look
to bridge that gap between starters, stars and substitutes so he can have regular rotation within the squad to avoid similar mishaps to his first campaign in England. HERE'S HOW
LIVERPOOL COULD LINE-UP WITH WIRTZ AND CHERKI IN THE STARTING LINE-UP: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Cherki; Diaz.