Liverpool could target £42m, Arne Slot knows, after transfer ambitions cleared

Liverpool are yet to make any additions to their squad ahead of the new season, but there is one player Arne Slot is well familiar with from his time in the Eredivisie – Johan Bakayoko. The 21-year-old winger is tipped to leave PSV Eindhoven this summer amid links to Liverpool.

He was one of the standout performers in PSV’s title-winning campaign last season, scoring 14 goals and providing as many assists in 48 games for the Eredivisie side. As well as the Reds, Bakayoko has been linked with a move to Arsenal as well as Bayern Munich.

Reports in Holland claim he could be available for as little as £42m (€50m) this summer. Slot is said to have been impressed by Bukayoko during his time in charge at Feyenoord, with the winger netting a brace against his former side last year.

Although tight-lipped on what his next destination could be, Bukayoko revealed he would only consider a move to a club that will offer Champions League football. “If I were to leave Eindhoven, it would only be for a club that plays for prizes like PSV,” he said.

“To become a champion is what I want. And to win the Champions League, I have the qualities for that. I’m ready for the top, but PSV is also a top club, especially if many players from last season remain. And it’s nice here. .I don’t think I’ve ever had a moment of reluctance to play here.

“The celebration was shortly after the European Championships, but it’s great to be back at PSV. The vibe of last season is still there.”

The prospect of a move to the Premier League is nothing new, however, with compatriot Vincent Kompany trying to lure him to newly promoted Burnley last summer.