22 June 2023 , 04:00
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Jurgen Klopp may have got one big signing over the line this summer, but his work is far from done with a number of players needing replacing.
James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Roberto Firmino are all leaving the club on free transfers, with Joel Matip's future also the subject of speculation. Alexis Mac Allister has come on board from Brighton for £35million, but the club have been linked with host of other players.
The club face a disrupted season due to their involvement in the Europa League, with Klopp inevitably aiming to secure a return to the Champions League in time for the 2024/25 campaign. How seriously they take UEFA's second tier competition remains to be seen, but the German boss wants a strong squad in order to compete on all fronts again domestically.
Here are some of the main transfer talking points emerging out of Anfield.
Ajax star favours Arsenal move
Liverpool's hopes of signing Ajax defender Jurrien Timber appear to be fading.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
Along with Manchester United, the Reds have been heavily linked with the 22-year-old, with his girlfriend reported to be “house hunting” in Merseyside. Bayern Munich are also in the running for the Dutch international, but according to Football London Timber's preferred destination is the Emirates.
It would be another transfer blow to Klopp should the centre back opt for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta. The Reds are still reeling from their failed pursuit of England star Jude Bellingham, who signed for Real Madrid last week for a fee of £88.5 million.
Liverpool's hopes of signing Jurrien Timber are fading (Icon Sport via Getty Images)Gravenberch opens door to Liverpool transfer
Ryan Gravenberch has opened the door to leaving Bayern Munich this summer, potentially sparking Liverpool into action.
"To be honest, yes I am," Gravenberch told ESPN when asked whether he was disappointed with his lack of playing time at Bayern this season. "I expected to play more minutes than I did. I thought I would get some more chances. It's about just wanting to play, that's the most important thing at my age. I hope it'll be at Bayern - otherwise, we'll just have to look further.
"I want to play, but the manager is picking other players. I have to accept it, but it’s difficult. I was hoping for more minutes but I have to stay calm. I told everyone that I don't want another year like that. Of course you can't always be in the starting XI, but you can still play regularly - you can get a lot of minutes."
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Ryan Gravenberch could leave Bayern this summer (S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images)Wijnaldum's admission after being linked with return
Gini Wijnaldum is likely to be heading out of PSG this summer after a season on loan at AS Roma.
The ex-Liverpool man has been heavily linked with a return to Holland, with both former clubs Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven reportedly interested in the 32-year-old. However, according to the Liverpool Echo, a return to his homeland is not his preferred move.
“I've read all sorts of things about PSV and Feyenoord over the past few days,” he told the media. “I will keep all options open this summer. But a return to the Netherlands is not my first option now.”