Arne Slot may be plotting an unexpected new plan at Liverpool after surprise Cody Gakpo bombshell

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Liverpool have not hesitated in getting supporters excited over the summer transfer window.

It took a long while for things to heat up in the market last year, with the Reds’ first signing not arriving until the end of August.

This time, it looks likely that Liverpool could bring a player or two in before June has even begun.

On the flip side of that, exits are also expected at Anfield this summer. Liverpool have often employed a ‘sell to buy’ policy in the market and although they do have money to spend, they will not stray too far from that.

As a result, with big-money deals being lined up, we could see a surprise or two going the other way. That was made clear earlier this week, as surprise news leaked that Bayern Munich are trying to sign Cody Gakpo.

The Dutchman had not been expected to be on the market at all this summer, with the news coming as a bit of a shock to supporters. But as it becomes clear that Gakpo could leave if a suitable offer arrives, it may be that Arne Slot is putting together an unexpected plan of his own

Arne Slot eyeing Federico Chiesa rebirth

Gakpo is not even close to being the only Liverpool forward linked with a move away this summer.

At one stage or another, all of Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa and Luis Diaz have been rumoured to be on the way out.

In terms of Gakpo, the interesting case is how it relates to both Chiesa and Diaz. Assuming that Diaz stays as first choice if the No. 18 does go, that should then open the door for Chiesa to play a bigger role.

The Italian has had a tough first season at Liverpool, but if Gakpo leaves, that could be the shot in the arm his Reds career needs.

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Given that Slot signed Chiesa, he clearly likes him as a player. Although his chances have been limited this season, the Liverpool head coach obviously had a plan for him initially.

If Bayern do firm up interest in Gakpo, perhaps that can finally start to be put into place. It would be a surprise, certainly, but stranger things have happened.

Who is the most likely to leave?

As things stand, we would still expect Gakpo to stay. But even if that is the case, there is every chance Diaz leaves this summer.

If either go, it cannot be ruled out that Liverpool will look to enter the transfer market to find a replacement.

However, with Chiesa already in the squad, Slot has an in-house replacement lined up.

Slot hinted that Chiesa has a future at Liverpool during the final weeks of the season. Maybe the plan all along was to give him a bedding in season, before selling either Gakpo or Diaz and allowing the Italy international to flourish in year two.

It still seems more likely that Chiesa will leave Liverpool, and should Gakpo or Diaz follow him, a new signing will then be made. But with all the cards still on the table heading into June, don’t rule anything out yet.