Liverpool are running out of time to add to their squad this summer. So far, Andoni Iraola has added Victor Munoz, loanee Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jaquet to his side.
While the Reds have moved at a slightly leisurely pace in the market, their activity is heating up as we enter the final week of the summer window. Curtis Jones left Liverpool last week and attention has now shifted to incomings.
Barcola and Minteh deals in focus
Liverpool have been linked with moves for PSG stars Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye. A swoop for Yankuba Minteh of Brighton is also in the works after the Reds moved for the winger last week.
Liverpool's continued pursuit of Barcola is expected to be successful, according to BBC Sport. The winger has remained a priority target for the Reds throughout the summer window. The outlet suggests it's "very likely" that an agreement between PSG and Liverpool will be struck before the transfer window shuts.
Feran Torres and Mika Godts have joined French forward Maghnes Akliouche as attacking reinforcements at PSG this summer, rendering Barcola's departure seemingly unavoidable. He has also been omitted from Luis Enrique's PSG squad for recent games, as his future remains uncertain.
Speaking on the After Foot podcast, via the ECHO, French journalist Fabrice Hawkins indicated that Liverpool could secure Barcola if certain conditions are met. It has been claimed the next formal written offer will be the one to clinch the deal, with a fee of between £111m and £128m expected to be enough to get it over the line.
Liverpool had an opening bid of £50m for Brighton winger Minteh knocked back last week. Despite increasing that figure by £10m, a second offer was similarly rejected, but the Reds reportedly remain determined to get a deal over the line before the transfer deadline passes.
Mbaye interest cools and exit rumours swirl
The Athletic's David Ornstein, speaking to TNT Sports on the weekend, suggested the Reds' pursuit of the player "definitely stands a chance," but that Liverpool do have alternative targets should the price remain a troubling obstacle.
The Seagulls are reportedly demanding in excess of £70m for the winger. Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano says Minteh has agreed personal terms with Liverpool and the player is waiting on Brighton and Liverpool to settle on a fee.
Talk surrounding Liverpool's move for Mbaye has somewhat chilled in recent weeks. The Senegal winger, as with team-mate Barcola, has also been left out of PSG's recent matchday squads as speculation around his future continues.
According to L'Equipe, Mbaye is believed to have shifted his attentions elsewhere as the lengthy transfer saga with Liverpool continues. The report claims the teenager feels the Reds have dragged out negotiations.
However, there are conflicting reports, while the price remains a sticking point for the Reds, if a deal can be struck, the young winger would be open to moving to Anfield.
Gakpo and Chiesa futures uncertain
The future of Dutch forward Gakpo has dominated Liverpool headlines in recent weeks. Tottenham Hotspur are still said to be interested in Gakpo, but his future could hinge on whether Liverpool strike deals for Barcola and Minteh.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Gakpo remains of interest to Spurs this summer. This is despite the north London club closing in on a double swoop for Man City's Omar Marmoush and Savinho. The Athletic's Ornstein added that, while Iraola is happy to keep hold of the Liverpool striker, Gakpo will depart Anfield this summer if the Reds seal a deal for another winger.
Doubt has plagued Federico Chiesa's future at Anfield for some time. Rumours linking the 28-year-old with a move to Valencia and Inter Milan have surfaced in recent days. If Liverpool do succeed in their deals to bring Barcola, Minteh or Mbaye to Anfield, one would consider Chiesa surplus to requirements.
However, speaking in pre-season, the Italian forward made it clear he was happy at Liverpool. He said: "Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything. I am doing the best I can to have a chance here - and then we will see. At the minute, the only thing I am thinking about is Liverpool."
