Liverpool continue to remain quiet in the transfer market, despite their Premier League rivals now ramping up their activity.
The Reds have become known for being relatively busy during the early parts of the annual summer window. But with July now racing ahead of us, there has been no movement at all at Anfield.
Until recently they weren’t alone in that. The ongoing international tournaments have meant that Liverpool weren’t the only ones keeping their powder dry.
However, Man United are now pushing to sign Matthijs de Ligt, Tottenham have stolen in to sign Archie Gray despite Liverpool relentlessly scouting him, while Chelsea have brought in Marc Guiu.
And now, the Reds’ title rivals from last season, Arsenal, are looking all set to steal a march in the race to sign Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori.
What Liverpool insiders are saying about Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori has emerged as a potential target for Liverpool after some excellent displays at Euro 2024.
The 22-year-old also had a terrific season for Bologna and is reportedly a player well-known to Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes.
As a result of Arne Slot needing to add a centre-back to his Liverpool squad this summer, Calafiori seemed like a natural fit.
With Juventus heavily interested in the Italian though, it was never going to be straightforward in getting him to Anfield.
READ MORE: Bologna director hints at where Riccardo Calafiori will move to this summer
But despite the fact that Juve have now seemingly dropped out of the race, leaving Arsenal as front-runners, journalist Ben Jacobs told Give Me Sport that Liverpool are insisting that Calafiori is not a player they will sign.
“My understanding is that Liverpool are not actively in the race for him at this stage,” says Jacobs.
“We’ve heard links with several Premier League clubs, but Liverpool sources downplay the links that are being made between Calafiori and them, so it appears that they have other targets that they are working on.”
Quite who those targets are remains to be seen, with the Reds staying tight-lipped throughout the process.
Ben Jacobs weighs in on Piero Hincapie links
One other potential option for Liverpool to bolster their defence is Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
Hincapie has been linked with Liverpool as far back as last summer and as a left-sided centre-back would appear to fit the profile of what the Reds want.
READ MORE: Liverpool sending scouts to watch Piero Hincapie in action during 2023/24
But again speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs has also reported on what he’s being told about the Ecuadorian moving to Anfield. Once more, Liverpool fans might be disappointed.
“That’s the same [as Calafiori] also for Piero Hincapie as well, who is constantly being linked with Liverpool,” says the reporter.
“But again, there’s denials from sources close to Liverpool that he’s a target they’re looking to pursue, either.”
As more potential signings get ruled out, the pool closes for who could join the Reds. It’ll be intriguing to see who Michael Edwards and co have up their collective sleeve, if anyone.
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