Liverpool target ‘demanded high wages’ as Arne Slot identifies new key player

Liverpool made only one signing, bringing in Federico Chiesa, during the summer transfer window, despite being linked to free agent Adrien Rabiot, who ultimately signed with Marseille.

Rabiot’s hopes of joining the Premier League reportedly faded due to his “excessive wage demands.” The former Juventus player left the Serie A club after his contract expired, with both parties unable to agree on an extension.

At 29, Rabiot remained a free agent until September and was encouraged by France national team coach Didier Deschamps to secure a club to maintain his international selection.

Rabiot had attracted interest from Manchester United and Liverpool, who were seeking a midfielder following Thiago Alcantara’s retirement.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Rabiot’s high wage expectations led to a potential move failing. In his report for Caught Offside, Romano stated, “There were big, very big proposals from Turkey and Saudi but he only wanted to play in one of the European top leagues. The Premier League was his dream, but his salary requests were considered too expensive.”

While it’s unclear if Rabiot’s demands were directed at Liverpool, United, or another Premier League team, Arne Slot is likely pleased with his squad’s performance so far this season.

Despite Chiesa being the only signing, Liverpool has had a strong start, winning three of their first four league matches. Slot has placed his trust in Ryan Gravenberch in the holding midfield role, and the 22-year-old has excelled, starting every game and earning man of the match honors in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory against AC Milan during their Champions League return.

After the match, Slot praised Gravenberch, saying, “I think he took the occasion of a stadium where a lot of Dutch players played unbelievable games… Ryan played outstanding today. I think he was not the only one who played outstanding, but I can understand why you pick him.”

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Liverpool’s interest grows in star player with €180m asking price

Liverpool are increasingly interested in the possible acquisition of Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala, who is also being tracked by Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Bayern have publicly expressed their intention to secure Musiala with a new contract, but CaughtOffside reports that Liverpool have been alerted as the Germany international approaches the final year of his current deal at the Allianz Arena.

Fabrizio Romano told CaughtOffside yesterday that Bayern are optimistic about retaining Musiala, though no agreement has been reached yet, and the process might take some time. Therefore, it is not surprising to see other clubs becoming involved.

The promising 21-year-old could potentially achieve legendary status at Bayern if he decides to remain with the club and become a central figure for both Bayern and German football.

Musiala transfer: Is Liverpool able to attract Bayern’s star to Anfield?

Musiala also has ties to English football, having been part of Chelsea’s academy and representing both England and Germany at youth levels before choosing the latter for his senior international career.

As a result, Premier League clubs might have some hope of attracting Musiala if he continues to delay signing a new deal at Bayern.

Some sources have indicated to CaughtOffside that Musiala’s priority might be to stay at Bayern, though he appears to keep his options open, as he also has aspirations to play in the Premier League.

Whether Liverpool or Manchester City can convince Musiala to join remains uncertain, especially since CaughtOffside notes that his asking price could be as high as €180m, presenting a significant hurdle for negotiations with Bayern before even considering Musiala’s interest in a potential move.