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Liverpool are set for a transformative summer, yet any fan expecting a smooth ride this off-season will be in for a cruel surprise.

The Reds will go into the transfer window as Premier League champions with Arne Slot’s side currently two wins away from lifting the title, with a miracle needed if Arsenal are to catch up with Liverpool with six games to go.

Although the Anfield giants are set to beat the Gunners the English championship, Mikel Arteta’s side will pose a real threat in the transfer market for the Reds, with Arsenal already interested in signing Liverpool target Viktor Gyokeres.

However, Liverpool now appear to have overtaken Arsenal in a separate transfer saga that both sides will be looking to come out on top of.

READ MORE: Jorrel Hato could join alongside Milos Kerkez as Liverpool prepare for talks with Bournemouth over left-back

Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images

According to TeamTalk, Liverpool have ’caused panic’ at Arsenal after making a new approach for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who is a top target for both Premier League sides heading into the summer transfer window.

With CaughtOffside reporting that Ajax will listen to offers of around €50m (£42m) for the Netherlands international, Liverpool making a fresh move for the teenage defender is an encouraging sign that the Reds are ready to spend top dollar for the Dutch wonderkid.

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Liverpool have been linked with Hato for some time, with the versatile 19-year-old defender a dream signing for the Reds with the youngster accomplished at playing both left-back and centre-back, two positions Slot’s side need cover for next season.

And with Liverpool catching Arsenal off-guard by their latest approach for Hato, the Anfield side might not be in the driving seat for the 19-year-old defender, who would be an exceptional addition heading into the summer.

Versatility is the aim of the game for Liverpool this summer when it comes to making new signings, with Arsenal and Manchester City showing this season that having players who can play in multiple positions can be huge in getting mileage out of a squad.

And Hato ticks all the boxes Liverpool are looking for in a defensive signing, with the left-sided centre-back able to offer good coverage in two key positions for the Reds whilst also having potential to grow into a world-class player.

Training alongside Virgil van Dijk and playing under Slot will also be appealing factors for Hato, who could prefer a move to Liverpool over Arsenal given what’s on offer at the Anfield side compared to the north London giants.


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