Arne Slot Eyes Johan Bakayoko as $51M Mohamed Salah Successor: Liverpool Transfer News

Liverpool's pursuit of PSV Eindhoven's rising star Johan Bakayoko appears to be gaining momentum. The Reds, who have been interested in the Belgian winger since Jurgen Klopp's era, are now closer than ever to securing his signature under new manager Arne Slot. Slot, eager to make his first major signing, sees Bakayoko as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's talisman since 2017.

Bakayoko's impressive performances last season, where he netted 14 goals and provided 14 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, have seen his market value soar to around £40 million ($51.5 million). This has caught the attention of several top European clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, but Liverpool is now in a prime position to complete the deal.

The path to Bakayoko became clearer after RB Leipzig, initially interested in the winger as a replacement for Dani Olmo, ended their pursuit by signing Club Brugge's Antonio Nusa. This development leaves Liverpool with an unobstructed route to secure Bakayoko, who could fill the void left by Salah if the Egyptian forward moves on after his contract ends next year.

While Liverpool has strong attacking options in Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Harvey Elliott, none have consistently matched Salah's goal-scoring prowess. With Salah also being linked to a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League, securing Bakayoko would be a strategic move for Liverpool's future.

Liverpool's recent sale of Fabio Carvalho to Brentford for £27.5 million ($35.4 million) has added to their transfer kitty, potentially facilitating the acquisition of Bakayoko. Slot, who has yet to make a significant signing since taking over from Klopp, remains optimistic about strengthening the squad before the Premier League opener against Ipswich Town.

In a recent press conference, Slot addressed concerns about the squad's readiness, stating, "As a club of our stature, we're always looking to strengthen the squad. However, it's not easy to do so given the quality we already have. But if the right opportunity arises, we'll make the necessary additions."