Liverpool look likely to be busy in the summer transfer market with a new striker right at the top of their priorities.
The Reds have been over-reliant on the goals of Mohamed Salah this season and look set to ease the burden on the Egyptian next time around.
With Darwin Nunez likely to leave, this means bringing in a new starting striker.
Alexander Isak has been heavily linked and Rousing The Kop understands that Liverpool maintain confidence over signing Isak, despite the obvious difficulties involved in getting him out of Newcastle.
As Arne Slot has alternated between Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz it has been tricky to ascertain exactly what the Liverpool head coach wants from his centre-forward.
But as the rumours surrounding Isak – and other options – ramp up, Slot has spoken out to clarify the remit for his starting number nine.
Arne Slot looking for more goals
Excluding Diaz – who has scored most of his goals from the left wing – Jota and Nunez have just 16 goals between them this season.
For context, Salah has 32, Diaz 15 and Cody Gakpo 16. It has not been good enough from either of Liverpool’s two central options.
And when asked what it is he wants from his centre-forward during Friday’s pre-Leicester press conference, Slot gave an answer to suggest goals is what has been lacking from Jota and Nunez.
“You want the difficult answer of the simple answer?” he smiled. “The simple answer is goals, that’s why you play a forward. He neds to produce goals.”
“But apart from that, in modern day football, a number nine needs to work hard and be part of an intense pressing team.
“If you look at the teams now playing in the semi-final of the Champions League, all 11 players work their ass off. So, that is also what I’m expecting from our number nine, that he’s part of an intense pressing team. But in the end it’s helpful that the number nine of Liverpool scores goals.”
Isak remains dream signing for Liverpool
In Isak, Liverpool are targeting a player who does exactly what Slot is looking for. His goal against Crystal Palace on Monday was the Swede’s 25th of the season.
But although the Reds think they can land Isak this summer, it may ultimately prove to be impossible if the 25-year-old signs a new contract with Newcastle.
As a result, Liverpool are still running the rule over plenty of other options, too.
As fans try to work out who amongst those names being linked might best suit Slot, his answer here should help to inform that a little.
It won’t be a pure facilitator in the mould of Roberto Firmino, but rather a goal-getter who can do some of the dirty work on the side.
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