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Chelsea are monitoring Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Romeo Lavia leaving Southampton?

The Belgium international only arrived at St. Mary’s from Premier League rivals Manchester City last summer but after establishing himself as the south coast outfit’s second top-performing defensive player during his debut season, is attracting attention from Mauricio Pochettino.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano previously claimed that the Blues “really appreciate” the 19-year-old due to his connection with Co-Director of Recruitment and Talent Joe Shields, and it wasn’t long before that initial admiration developed into more concrete interest.

Earlier this month, Football.London reported that the Stamford Bridge side had the teenager, whose price tag has been set at £50m, firmly on their radar and were considering submitting an offer as an alternative to Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo, though if the following update is to be believed, Todd Boehly is yet to make his move.

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Chelsea are keeping tabs on Lavia, but at this stage, have not held any kind of progressive discussions regarding a summer deal. He wrote:

“Understand Liverpool asked [for] conditions of Romeo Lavia deal, they’re in the race. Arsenal, working on this deal for 15 days — no official bid from both clubs yet. Man Utd and Chelsea, monitoring the situation but not in active talks yet.”

Should Boehly submit an offer for Lavia?

Chelsea appear to have made Caicedo their number one defensive midfield target after reports have stated that a second bid is being prepared, but should they fail to secure his services, Lavia is definitely a player worth testing the waters for having been dubbed a “monster” by journalist Benjy Nurick and "a perfect Pochettino player" by reporter Alex Crook.

Sponsored by Adidas, Southampton’s talisman last season ranked in the 96th percentile for blocks and won 35 out of his 60 tackles made which was the second-highest success rate throughout his squad, as per FBRef, so he’s not afraid to get stuck in and clear the danger.

The Elite Project Group client, however, can also contribute to his team’s efforts at the opposite end of the pitch having scored one goal and provided the same number of assists during the previous term, so appears to have the potential to be developed into a box-to-box midfielder.

Finally, Pochettino would be provided with some versatility should Lavia join as he has the ability to operate slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his usual role sitting in front of the backline, so it could be one to watch with the Blues monitoring developments.

Everton are interested in acquiring the services of Swansea City forward Joel Piroe in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Who is Swansea star Joel Piroe?

The 23-year-old joined the Welsh side from PSV Eindhoven back in 2021 and has become a key player in that time, catching the eye with his performances in attack.

Last season, the £10,000-a-week-earning Piroe scored 19 goals in 43 appearances in the Championship, arguably standing out as one of the best attacking players in the division. The previous year, he netted 22 times in the competition, in what has been a hugely impressive two-year spell in Wales.

The Dutchman's displays clearly aren't going unnoticed, and with his current Swans deal expiring in the summer of 2024, it could be that they realise now is the best, and last, opportunity to receive a hefty amount of money for his services.

Everton are clearly on the lookout for more attacking quality ahead of the new Premier League season in August, and it looks as though they are in the conversation when it comes to Piroe's future.

Are Everton eyeing Piroe move this summer?

According to Wales Online, the Blues have shown an interest in snapping up the Swansea hero this summer, although they aren't alone in eyeing up a move:

"Leicester are likely to submit a bid over the coming days, although they aren't the only ones showing an interest.

"WalesOnline understands an unnamed Serie A side is also in the running, while Russell Martin's Southampton have also shown interest, although the ongoing tension between the two clubs may well complicate the prospect of a move to St Mary's.

"Premier League duo Everton and Nottingham Forest have also made tentative enquiries, but are yet to firm up any interest with a serious approach."

Piroe could be a really exciting signing by Everton, and while their interest doesn't necessarily seem hugely strong, it is encouraging that they are in the mix.

Granted, the step up to the Premier League from the Championship can be great, but he has shown such consistency since joining the Swans and he is a player who is only likely to get better.

Piroe has been lauded as an "excellent athlete" by former manager Russell Martin in the past, and a record of eight goals in just 13 caps for the Netherlands' Under-19s in the past further outlines his pedigree.

Arsenal have reportedly been offered encouragement in the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain contract rebel, Kylian Mbappe, according to the latest reports.

What is the latest on Mbappe to Arsenal?

As per the Independent's Miguel Delaney, it is believed that a move to the Emirates would be the Frenchman's 'preference' if he was to seal a switch to the Premier League, with the 24-year-old facing an uncertain future at the Parc des Princes with just under a year left to run on his existing deal.

The report adds that the World Cup winner has been left impressed by the progress that Mikel Arteta's side have made of late and would be keen to try and deliver the league title for the north Londoners, albeit with any deal at present seemingly out of the club's price range – with the 5 foot 10 ace valued at around €200m (£171m).

As per the report, the Ligue 1 giants are keen to sell the forward this summer if he does not agree to a contract extension over the next few weeks, albeit with current frontrunners, Real Madrid likely to wait to try and sign the fleet-footed speedster on a free transfer next summer.

This comes amid a prior piece from Football Transfers which also suggested that Arteta and co could look to make a move of their own in 2024, having been debating whether to contact the player's representatives.

Will Mbappe join Arsenal?

It does appear unlikely that the £1.2m-per-week marksman will be arriving at the Emirates this summer, although there does appear to be lingering hope that a deal could be on the cards in 12 months' time, due to Mbappe's interest in joining the club.

If such a move was to come to fruition it would undoubtedly be a sensational piece of business for the Gunners, with the 70-cap international simply something of a "phenomenon", according to teammate, Neymar.

The one-time Monaco man notably boasts a staggering haul of 212 goals and 90 assists in just 260 games for his current side despite his relative youth, having also already plundered 40 goals at senior international level.

While the sparkling talent has typically operated through the middle in a central role in recent times, he could also provide a possible upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank, having been utilised in that wide berth throughout his career to date.

Although Martinelli has done little wrong of late – scoring 15 goals and registering five assists in the Premier League last term – the Brazilian ace can simply not match Mbappe's brilliance, with the latter man having scored 29 goals and laid on six assists in Ligue 1 in 2022/23.

The PSG wizard also appears to have a greater knack for being able to beat his man as he ranks in the top 3% among his peers in Europe's top five leagues for successful take-ons at an average of 2.36 per 90, while the current Arsenal man averages just 1.97 in that regard, further showcasing the difference in quality between the pair.

Equally, Mbappe's ability to bring others into play in the forward line is also to be credited, with the Paris native ranking in the top 5% for progressive passes as a marker of his creative prowess at an average of 4.15 per 90, while Martinelli averages just 3.04 per 90 for that same metric.

For all the 22-year-old's fine work under Arteta of late, the promising talent would simply have to get used to a watching brief if Mbappe was to be snapped up any time soon, with that signing likely to be an undoubted upgrade as far as the Gunners are concerned.

Manchester United and Inter Milan both have a 'willingness' to get a 'deal over the line' for Andre Onana to move to Old Trafford, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Is Andre Onana coming to Manchester United?

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on the state of play surrounding Onana's future, stating on Twitter: "André Onana deal update — Wednesday and Thursday remain the crucial days for the final steps of the negotiation. Manchester United will submit the final official bid in order to agree with Inter and seal the deal discussing add ons structure. Key days are finally coming."

Manchester United have already seen a bid of £38.5 million rejected for Cameroon international Onana, who is believed to be valued at £51 million by Inter Milan, a figure they will refuse to budge on in negotiations, as per Sky Sports.

Discussions over a deal have been positive; however, it looks like a 'compromise' may need to come to fruition for the transfer to happen despite Onana desiring a move to Old Trafford.

Plenty of movement is taking place regarding the Red Devils' goalkeeping situation, with Nottingham Forest in talks with Manchester United over taking Dean Henderson back to the City Ground on a permanent basis, as per Telegraph Sport.

Veteran stopper David De Gea has ended his 12-year association with Manchester United by leaving as a free agent this summer, becoming the last active player from Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure to depart the Premier League giants, as per The Athletic.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Sheth is of the opinion that both Manchester United and Inter Milan will be keen to thrash out a deal for Onana.

Sheth said: "I think they want to find some sort of middle ground. It would seem that a deal could be done with a compromise, only because I think there's a willingness from all parties to get it done, especially Onana. He wants to come to Manchester United.

"When two clubs are negotiating like this, it normally means that they do want to get a transfer done and dusted, and over the line."

Who else could join Manchester United?

Manchester United have already finalised their first piece of business this window, with Mason Mount joining from Chelsea for a fee that could reach £60 million, as per Sky Sports.

More additions will follow him through the door at Old Trafford as Erik Ten Hag looks to build on an impressive debut campaign in charge of the Red Devils.

Renowned journalist Romano has given an exciting insight into the prospect of Atalanta rising star Rasmus Hojlund moving to Old Trafford, stating on Twitter: "Told Rasmus Højlund remains on top of Manchester United list as new striker. Personal terms, never an issue as he’s very keen on the move. Man United never sent any official bid yet — just talks on club/player side as priority is new GK. PSG also inquiried about Højlund."

One outlet in Spain claim that Manchester United have had tentative contact over a surprise move for Atletico Madrid ace Joao Felix despite his underwhelming stint at Chelsea.

In the next few weeks, Manchester United will up the ante with regard to recruitment and it wouldn't be a surprise to see several signings make their way to the North West-based giants.

After arriving for a reported £65m from Chelsea this summer, Kai Havertz could do with a good start to life at Arsenal. The last thing that the German will want is to get sucked into the pressure of waiting to score his first goal, or really impress at the Emirates.So far, though, he is having a pre-season to forget. Starting with his performance against FC Nurnberg, Mikel Arteta admitted after the game that he is still unsure just where Havertz’s best position is.Indeed, he told the press: “We will see. We have to see how he adapts and get to know each other and build relationships. Football is about that and time will tell where he sees best.”As the Premier League season approaches, not knowing where to play your £65m arrival is far from ideal.Meanwhile, things got even worse for the German in Arsenal’s pre-season challenge against MLS All-Stars. The challenge saw Havertz’s teammates cross the ball into the striker’s feet, before he was tasked with controlling and finishing. What came next is a moment to forget for the former Chelsea man, however.

Kai Havertz struggles in pre-season test

As you can see from the footage, Havertz failed to score a single effort, with some blazed over the bar, whilst others comfortably saved. In comparison, his teammate, meanwhile, Folarin Balogun, did far better, finding the back of the net a total of three times.

It’s hardly a good look for Havertz that Balogun performed far better, but we’re sure the German will do his talking on the pitch, rather than in pre-season challenges.

Arsenal are set to square off against MLS All-Stars in the early hours of Thursday, August 20. It is then that Havertz may seek redemption, and finally give fans of the North London club something to cheer about when it comes to his performances.

The hope from Arteta’s perspective will be that he’ll find the best position for his new arrival in the next few weeks, as Arsenal build-up to what could be their best season yet under the Spaniard.

What is the transfer value of Kai Havertz?

Joining Arsenal for a reported £65m, Havertz is currently worth less than that. According to Transfermarkt, the forward is currently worth €55m (£47.72m), meaning that the Gunners slightly overpaid for their new man.

After enduring a season to forget last time out, Arsenal’s move for Havertz came as a surprise. Arteta’s side had just come off the back of an impressive campaign, finishing second as Manchester City’s closest challengers.

To then sign a player who struggled was a slight shock. Nonetheless, under the guidance of Arteta, we could finally see the version of Havertz that was meant to shine at Chelsea.

He would be quite the signing if he found his best form. Arsenal fans would certainly enjoy a Chelsea flop going onto star at the Emirates, adding salt into the wounds for those at Stamford Bridge.

Admittedly, though, the German isn’t off to the best of starts, with his failed pre-season challenge going viral.

Here are a few harsh reactions to his recent struggles on Twitter…

Liverpool are preparing for their comeback in the Premier League next season with two new additions confirmed already, and now a fresh update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a strongly linked target.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Romeo Lavia?

According to The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe, Liverpool still have Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia on their radar, but are thought to be softening their approach due to his £50m price tag.

As per Bascombe's report, it is claimed that the Reds had earmarked the young talent as a long-term Fabinho heir rather than an immediate one due to his inexperience.

However, it is noted that Liverpool are likely to be playing down their interest in Lavia to test Southampton to see if they will lower their asking price for the player before the transfer window closes.

Does Lavia count as homegrown?

It is extremely unlikely that Jurgen Klopp would have been prepared to lose so many of his experienced midfielders this summer, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner already departing due to the expiration of their contracts.

However, club captain Jordan Henderson and Brazilian mainstay Fabinho are set to make swift exits, with both midfielders attracting deals from the Saudi Pro League over the last week.

Indeed, it will be difficult for the Liverpool boss to replace the presence and experience he has lost over the summer, however, the imminent departures of Fabinho and Henderson present an opportunity for the club to boost funds and continue their overhaul of the squad.

Klopp has already kicked off his midfield rebuild with the additions of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who both bring attacking-focused talent to the centre of the pitch, so the more pressing concern would be to fill the more defensive roles – something that Lavia could help with.

The Manchester City youth academy graduate ranked in the top 20% of his positional peers in the Premier League last season per 90 minutes played for shots blocked, ball recoveries and pass completion, as per FBref, which is an impressive feat for a 19-year-old.

Not only that, but Lavia would solve a longer-term issue for the Reds as he will count as a homegrown player – an attribute that will be underrated by many, though one that would be a solution to something Liverpool have been sailing too close to the wind on.

In addition, the highly speculated interest of Liverpool in Lavia has prompted plenty of conversation about whether the youth prospect is ready to take such a huge step following Premier League relegation at St Mary's last season, with TalkSport pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor waxing lyrical about a potential deal:

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: "Lavia is the missing part of the jigsaw.

"Liverpool need a defensive midfielder who can get the ball back, have legs and can also play and set off attacks.

"The Reds really need that because Fabinho’s legs are gone. So if they’ve got Lavia over the line, then a whole rebuild has been done."

With that being said, it remains to be seen as to whether Liverpool will meet the Saints' price tag or convince the club to part ways with Lavia at a whole price, though there is little doubt that securing his signature would set up the midfield at Anfield for years to come.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in LaLiga ace Guido Rodriguez, as Julen Lopetegui looks to replenish his midfield this summer.

Following the sales of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, the Spaniard will seek reinforcements in the middle of the park in the transfer window, with the latest news linking them to an Argentine marvel.

Could Wolves sign Guido Rodriguez?

As reported by journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, the Old Gold have opened negotiations with Real Betis for the midfielder.

"Wolvesis interested in signing Guido Rodríguez, a Betis midfielder whose contract ends in June 2024," he tweeted. "There are negotiations underway between the clubs, but for now nothing close to being finalized."

However, there was no fee mentioned by Merlo over the player that is valued at €20.2m (£17.3m) by FootballTransfers.

An area that could benefit Wolves’ reported pursuit is the midfielder’s contract situation, in which he has one year remaining at Betis with the assumption that the Spaniards would not want to lose him as a free agent.

How good is Guido Rodriguez?

Maintaining an average Sofascore match rating of 7.07 in LaLiga last term, Rodriguez ranked in the top three of Betis’ best individual performers, highlighting his importance in the side.

Deployed as a defensive midfielder, the 29-year-old was part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad, highlighting the calibre of player that Lopetegui could obtain this summer.

Having previously been lauded as a “defensive monster” by European football analyst Marcus Bring, the Argentine machine flexed his competency in dominating the engine room last term, winning 60% of his total duels, with an average of 7.2 per game, via Sofascore.

For Wolves, introducing a midfielder with a strong approach to controlling the middle of the park is essential, in a move that could add to depth and challenge others in the squad.

Likened to Molineux ace Mario Lemina based on statistics, via FBref, the Betis gem could replicate the presence of the Gabon international, with his numbers suggesting he could perform at a higher level than the former Juventus man.

Signed by Wolves from Nice in January, the 29-year-old recorded 19 appearances in the Premier League for the Old Gold, being thrown straight into the action by Lopetegui.

Despite being a key part of the squad in the Midlands, the Argentine showed glimpses in Spain of being able to offer in areas that the former Southampton midfielder lacked in.

Averaging a monstrous 3.60 tackles and 1.32 interceptions per 90 in LaLiga, the Gabonese enforcer fell slightly short in such areas, averaging 2.63 tackles and 0.97 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League, via FBref.

A similar pattern was evident in the slight creative spark that the Betis man possessed, with him recording an average of 4.17 passes into the final third to Lemina’s 2.15 per 90 for the Midlands outfit.

With Joao Gomes also arriving during the January transfer window, it would be expected that the 22-year-old would be the Spaniard’s first-choice defensive midfielder, with the interest in Rodriguez posing as him being a potential heir to Lemina.

Adding depth to the squad is essential this summer, in a move that could positively influence competition for a starting spot at Molineux, inducing a rise in performance for consistent game time.

Chelsea’s goalkeeping conundrum is still shrouded in uncertainty.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is currently on track to start the upcoming season as the first choice, but there have been mixed reports about the situation.

Is Kepa Arrizabalaga staying at Chelsea?

After the pre-season draw with Newcastle, Mauricio Pochettino provided the following statement on the Spaniard: “We are so happy with him. He shows great commitment and adapting to the new demands. He is a fantastic keeper.”

However, despite this glowing praise, there are also rumours suggesting that the Argentine is seeking to upgrade the position and move Kepa to one side.

As per Nathan Gissing (via The Chelsea Chronicle), the Blues are still keeping a keen eye on the goalkeeper market.

He said: “I am told Chelsea are still looking at a goalkeeper. They liked Onana, but never made a move. Maignan, I believe he’s too expensive for Chelsea, so they’re looking for that player who is not overly expensive, but can still compete with Kepa.”

Therefore, whilst ruling these candidates out, another player who could be a fantastic addition to Stamford Bridge is Emiliano Martinez.

Is Emiliano Martinez joining Chelsea?

Football Insider reported earlier this summer that the Blues were eyeing a move for the Aston Villa star as part of Pochettino’s major squad overhaul.

That said, a deal has been complicated by Martinez’s current long-term contract at Villa Park with it set to take a 'huge fee' to lure him away from the Midlands. At present, Football Transfers value the player at £30m.

Since joining Villa in 2020, the 30-cap international, hailed as “unbelievable” by Matty Cash, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to domestic and worldwide prominence thanks to his impressive consistency.

Across 112 appearances for the Midlands club, the world-cup winner has kept 39 clean sheets.

How good is Emiliano Martinez?

During this time, the former Arsenal man has played under Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard, and Unai Emery, all of whom of retained undeterred faith in Martinez, as he has featured in 110 of the club’s last 114 Premier League games.

Last term, the £120k-per-week star recorded the most high claims (60) in the division and ranks within the top 1% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for the percentage of crosses stopped per 90, as well as the best 22% for goals against per 90.

This player is a pillar of reliability and composure – two traits that Thibaut Courtois possessed in abundance. Since making his debut for the Blues in 2014, he exuded confidence and permanently displaced none other than club legend Petr Cech as the first-choice keeper.

Across his time in west London, the domineering Belgian won the Premier League twice and the Golden Glove once, keeping 58 clean sheets in 154 outings.

Courtois’ Chelsea career unravelled into a completely different direction to Kepa, who has received a torrent of criticism due to his inconsistency.

Mario Melchiot labelled him as a “liability” and the decision of the previous hierarchy to sign Edouard Mendy and promote the Senegalese as the first choice was a clear indication of the Spaniard's faltering pedigree.

In the present day, the £150k-per-week shot-stopper now finds himself as a potential starter due to Mendy’s sudden decline and exit for Saudi Arabia.

Kepa, who was originally tasked to be Courtois’ replacement, has not fulfilled the assignment, and it would be an extremely risky strategy for Pochettino to not consider Martinez as Chelsea’s new goalkeeper.

Having been named the best goalkeeper in the world last year, he could well be the club's finest stopper since the days of their towering Belgian.

Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has shared a great Instagram post after meeting up with the club's iconic manager Arsene Wenger for the first time in five years.

Did Jack Wilshere recently meet up with Arsene Wenger?

In many ways, the pair are a perfect representation of the latter Wenger days in north London. All the talent and potential to achieve great things, but in the end, things just didn't work out as so many would have hoped.

After all, Wilshere burst onto the scene as a youngster with Arsenal and looked set to reach the top. Indeed, while still a teenager, "Super Jack" made the step up from the Hale End academy to the first team as he made 35 Premier League appearances in 2010/11 and won the division's Young Player of the Year award.

And with Wenger as his guide, many expected glory to follow as the English midfielder developed over the next few years. Sadly, though, as we all know, a number of major injuries prevented Wilshere from fulfilling his potential.

Even so, the pair are still fondly remembered by the Arsenal faithful for both representing the beautiful football played at The Arsenal when each were at their best.

And Wenger has been back at the club of late, as the Gunners recently erected a statue in his honour outside the Emirates. With the Frenchman back in town, Wilshere and his former coach were pictured together as they spoke in person for the first time in years.

The 31-year-old, who now coaches Arsenal's U18s, shared an Instagram post from his official account, saying: "First time seeing the Boss since 2018. His Love and Passion for our club is still just as strong. Also not a bad brain to pick about developing young players."

What has Jack Wilshere said about his injuries?

As alluded to before, fitness struggles were a key reason why Wilshere and Wenger never achieved greater things together in north London, and the midfielder recently detailed just how bad it was for him.

Speaking to Ben Foster on The Fozcast (via Daily Mail), the 31-year-old explained: "My first injury was my worst and I paid a lot for that. It was my right ankle, it was like the talus, which is basically you have your fib and then this little bone that sits on top of your fib and your ankle joint and I fractured that.

"I went to see the specialist surgeon and he was like 'I've never seen that. We've seen it in one person.' It was a snowboarder, you could imagine their ankles are locked in and they can bend it like that.

"So they got in another guy, a specialist to do the surgery, and I didn't know this until a few years later, so I then went back, it must have been about six years later I was 25 and went back to see the surgeon and he was like 'oh, you're still playing?'."

Despite his injury issues, Wilshere still managed to win the FA Cup twice under Wenger, while also scoring one of the most pleasing Premier League goals of all time – you know the one – so it's fair to say he didn't have a bad career while with the club.

Unfortunately, though, it promised so much and ultimately never quite scaled those heights.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has been linked with a shock move away from Anfield this summer and now a fresh update has emerged regarding his future.

Will Alisson leave Liverpool?

The 30-year-old has been a sensational signing for the Reds ever since arriving from Roma in the summer of 2018, becoming arguably the best player in the world in his position in the process.

Alisson has been a colossal figure between the sticks, making an enormous difference and playing such a key role in Liverpool becoming one of Europe's leading sides under Jurgen Klopp, winning the Premier League and Champions League along the way, as well as numerous other trophies.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

While the Brazilian is contracted at Anfield until the summer of 2027, worrying reports have emerged regarding a potential move to Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, joining the likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson there in the process.

Fortunately, a new claim has now emerged that allays those fears, during a summer that is threatening to go wrong for Liverpool, particularly in the midfield department.

What's the latest on Alisson's Liverpool future?

According to reliable journalist David Lynch for This Is Anfield, a summer move isn't on the cards for Alisson, despite rumours suggesting otherwise:

"Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has not been the subject of an approach from Saudi Arabia, despite some reporting of such on Tuesday.

"However, This Is Anfield can confirm that no such approach has been made to Liverpool, and even if one was the club would swiftly reject it. Indeed, the Reds’ No.1 is happy on Merseyside, where he has a contract until 2027."

Frankly, the thought of Liverpool losing Alisson at any point in the near future is a horrifying one for supporters, with the Brazilian superstar arguably the first name on Klopp's team sheet these days, bailing his side out so often in one-on-one situations and winning the club's Player of the Season award last season.

At 30, he still has so many years remaining at the very top level, and if the Reds are to have any chance of mounting a Premier League title challenge this season, he has to be fit for almost every game. James Milner has rightly hailed Alisson as a "world-class" player in the past and to see him depart for Saudi Arabia at the peak of his powers would be a depressing sight.

This update is, therefore, a hugely positive one for anyone of a Liverpool persuasion, suggesting that he is perfectly happy on Merseyside for the foreseeable future, continuing to play a massive role in any success his team achieves.

The hope is that Alisson remains at Anfield beyond 2027, at which point he will still only be 34 when his contract expires, which can still easily be in and around prime age for a goalkeeper in the modern game. His importance cannot be downplayed and that isn't going to change at any point in the near future.