Liverpool's summer transfer business got off to the perfect start this week after completing a deal for Alexis Mac Allister.
The Reds agreed a deal to recruit the Argentine midfielder on a five-year contract from Brighton and will be expected to hit the ground running next season due to being a Premier League proven player.
Jurgen Klopp's side will have hopes of competing at the top end of the table again next season, though will likely face competition from at least two teams for top spot as their rivals continue to grow stronger courtesy of effective transfer decisions.
Yet to announce a signing on the same scale as Mac Allister, the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal will be looking to bolster their squads in the coming weeks and are being linked with a number of players at present. Below, we have taken a look at the latest news relating to Liverpool's main competitors ahead of the new campaign.
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Manchester United
It is no secret Erik ten Hag's side have been lacking a clinical striker to give them an extra edge in the final third of the pitch. The loan signing of Wout Weghorst for the 2022/23 season was a decision that did not pay off and there is a growing expectation the Red Devils will splash out in this department to fix their goalscoring struggles.
Harry Kane is a name being suggested as a possible target, though the Times have reported United are 'losing hope' in their pursuit of the Tottenham Hotspur marksman. Indeed, Daniel Levy's firm stance on Spurs' No.10 has left Ten Hag's side 'considering alternative options'.
Manchester City
The Premier League champions will not require too many additions to their squad in order to mount another title challenge next year, though don't be surprised to see Pep Guardiola strengthen his squad regardless.
Football Insider have stated the Citizens will 'pull out all the stops' to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who has also been linked with an Anfield switch in recent months. Negotiations are 'set to accelerate' now that the Champions League final has been played, with a deal to bring the Croatian centre-back to England potentially surpassing £80million.
Chelsea
Believed to be in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer, Chelsea are said to be interested in Inter Milan's Andre Onana. The Cameroonian shot-stopper featured in last night's Champions League final versus City, though could not keep out Rodri's match-winning strike during the second half.
Italian outlet TuttoMercato insist Onana has been 'in Chelsea's sights for weeks' and is keen on securing a move to the Premier League. The article adds the Londoners have seen a €40million (£34.2m) offer rejected by Inter and that Romelu Lukaku could be included in a deal for the goalkeeper.
Newcastle
Set to receive a cash injection after securing Champions League football, it remains to be seen just how big Eddie Howe's side will go in the transfer market. The Toon Army are said to be considering deals for high-profile names, though whether or not these materialise is another matter.
Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, a rumoured target for the Reds, is one player who could be on his way to St James' Park on the back of an impressive season for RB Leipzig. L’Equipe via Sport Witness have suggested Newcastle are '‘preparing to make a staggering offer’ for the 22-year-old, who scored ten goals and registered 13 assists in all competitions last term.
Arsenal
Ilkay Gundogan would represent a smart piece of transfer business for Arsenal, should Mikel Arteta manage to get a deal over the line for the City captain.
The future of the German midfielder remains uncertain despite winning the treble and ex-Gunners centre-back Per Mertesacker, who is now Arsenal's academy manager, believes the 32-year-old could still choose the Emirates as his new home.
Speaking to German broadcaster ZDF after the Champions League final, Mertesacker believes Gundogan may view his time at City as 'mission accomplished'. Mertesacker added: "I think the clubs are queuing. Because [Mikel] Arteta knows him and we probably haven’t broken off contact, we’re in a good position. I think he’ll let it all sink in first and then choose from one of the four clubs."
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs, now being managed by Ange Postecoglou, are understood to be weighing up a £50million swoop for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho.
Things have not worked out in the way many had envisaged for Sancho following his decision to leave Borussia Dortmund to secure a return to England. The Daily Star have claimed Ten Hag knows he must 'raise cash' to fund his summer spending and is seeking close to £60m for the England international.
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