Liverpool forward Sadio Mane wants to leave Anfield this summer with the decision coming in the wake of their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid. But planning for his replacement has already begun with the Reds targeting a player previously offered to Arsenal.
Mane has been a pivotal part of Liverpool's success under Jurgen Klopp, scoring 23 goals this season and a total of 120 over the course of his six years on Merseyside. But a new challenge is now desired and Bayern Munich are reportedly leading the race to snap up the 30-year-old.
Ahead of the final in Paris, Jurgen Klopp was asked about reports he could lose one of his star men in the summer after Mane refused to say either way whether he would stay or go this summer. The manager would not be drawn on speculation, however.
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"Sadio is in the shape of his life," he told his pre-match press conference. "It's a joy to watch him at the moment. Football asks a lot of him this year. I couldn't care less about the Bayern rumours. He knows how important it is. No concerns. It’s not the first time in my career Bayern have been talking about my players before a final."
One requirement Klopp and Liverpool reportedly have is for a replacement to be lined up before Mane is allowed to leave for pastures new. They appear to be wasting little time in finding a new recruit too.
Spanish outlet Sport have reported that the Reds have joined the race to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, who has also drawn the interest of Chelsea. Arsenal have previously been linked with the France international as well and even turned down the chance to sign him in January after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined the Catalan giants.
