Liverpool transfer news: Arne Slot gives VERDICT on Luis Diaz future

Arne Slot has revealed that Luis Diaz is an important part of Liverpool's future despite consistent rumours linking the Colombian with an Anfield exit. 

The 27-year-old has been strongly touted with a move away from Merseyside this summer, with Barcelona the club seemingly most interested in his services.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been named as potential suitors and even Premier League rivals Manchester City have reportedly targeted the South American.

READ MORE: Liverpool must STILL sell five players as Richard Hughes faces BUSY transfer deadline

Diaz spent much of the summer on international duty at the 2024 Copa America but has now returned to Liverpool ahead of the season opener against Ipswich Town on Saturday lunchtime.

In fact, the winger made the perfect impression in his only pre-season friendly of the summer, scoring a brace during a 4-1 win over Sevilla last weekend.

Arne Slot backs Luis Diaz

Speaking before Liverpool's clash with Ipswich at Portman Road, Slot revealed that the Reds have no plans to sell Diaz this summer and that he will be a significant figure at Anfield this season.

"When I walked in here, there was a screen from Sky Sports and I said, 'The whole day it’s talking about football?' joked Slot.

"So, there is a lot of speculation constantly in this country, that is clear for me. So it’s not a surprise if I hear you saying there is also [that about] Luis Diaz. Is there any player they don’t talk about? A few, OK!

"His future is with us because I like a lot what I’ve seen in the last ten days and I saw the same last season. He’s had a big impact on Liverpool seasons and I’m hoping that he has a big impact in the upcoming season as well."

It certainly appears that Diaz has earned the trust of Slot in the short time they have spent together on the training pitch, with the former Porto star likely to start for the Reds on Saturday.

However, he does face competition from Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and even Darwin Nunez on the left-hand side of a front three, and it will be intriguing to see how quickly Slot settles on his favoured starting XI.