Liverpool hopes to defeat Arsenal in the $64 million transfer battle by using the same tactic as Naby Keïta.

In 2017, Liverpool acquired Naby Keïta from RB Leipzig, despite being pursued by numerous other teams. The competition for a defensive target is similar for the Reds.

The summer acquisitions to Liverpool are already being linked to the team as the Anfield era draws nearer. There are just three games left under Jürgen Klopp’s leadership for the Reds, beginning on Sunday when Tottenham visits.

Arne Slot appears to be the favourite to succeed Klopp, since Liverpool and current team Feyenoord have already worked out a compensation plan. Given that Slot has stated openly that he wants the position, the personal terms are probably just formalities.

Rather than managing the squad, he’ll probably take on the position of “head coach,” concentrating on team development and coaching. Slot will not have the same level of authority over transfer targets as Klopp, but he will collaborate with Richard Hughes, the new sporting director, to identify potential candidates.

Among the players who are still being mentioned as possible additions to Liverpool is Willian Pacho, the defender for Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite just having arrived to Germany a year ago in a $9.6 million (£7.7 million/€9 million) deal from Royal Antwerp, the 22-year-old’s performances have drawn interest from other clubs.

Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany reports that Pacho has been contacted by both Liverpool and Arsenal, but Frankfurt does not intend to let him go this summer. However, the Reds may now attempt to pull off a move like they pulled off in 2017.

Encouraging Liverpool to sign Naby Keïta, the Guinean midfielder arrived the next summer after the club agreed to a contract with RB Leipzig, averting a potential move by Bayern Munich or Barcelona. Furthermore, according to SportBILD, the Reds may sign Pacho at the end of the season and then promptly loan him back to Frankfurt.

Liverpool reportedly worries that after one more season in the Bundesliga, his value would increase even more, hence it’s hoped Frankfurt would find value in the proposition. Frankfurt would still seek about $64 million (£51 million/€59 million) for the Ecuador international, whatever the terms of the transaction.

With Joël Matip due to go on a free transfer, Liverpool’s want list is probably going to be heavy in central defenders. Another addition would probably follow Pacho’s possible move. Lutsharel Geertruida of Feyenoord is eager to join Slot at Anfield, according to the Telegraaf.

While at Anfield, Keáta did win the Premier League and the Champions League, but injuries hindered his growth. He only played in a few games the previous campaign before moving on a free transfer to Werder Bremen.

However, his trip back to Germany did not proceed as expected. After appearing just five times for his new club, he was suspended till the end of the season last month for allegedly refusing to travel with the team.

According to Liverpool.com, Pacho has made a name for himself as one of Germany’s best defenders in his relatively short time at Frankfurt. He’ll probably become even more well-known the next term, so Liverpool could need to take action this summer. The 22-year-old may be a really smart move for the Reds if they can sign him and then allow him to continue growing at his present team.