Door opens for Liverpool to sign €70m winger to REPLACE Luis Diaz

Arne Slot’s maiden season at Liverpool has been nothing short of brilliant.

The Reds are within touching distance of their 20th league title and have shown they will be a force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future.

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Despite the success of Slot’s first campaign, the upcoming summer transfer window is expected to be a busy one at Anfield.

A number of high-profile departures are expected, as exclusively revealed by Anfield Watch, and Liverpool will have to be active in the market to replace any stars that leave.

With the league title almost wrapped up, Liverpool’s focus will be turning to the summer ahead and the door has opened for them to sign one long-term target.

Barcelona ruled out of race for €70 million winger

With question marks over the future of Luis Diaz, one of Liverpool’s priorities this summer will be reinforcing the front-line.

A new striker has been talked about too, and the news that Mohamed Salah will remain a Red beyond this summer will have made the situation slightly easier for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes.

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One wide forward that Liverpool continue to be linked with is Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao, who has been on the Reds’ radar for quite some time.

The versatile 22-year-old is capable of playing on either wing and is valued at €70.3m by Football Transfers.

Liverpool aren’t the only team interested in Williams, but Spanish outlet MARCA have now ruled La Liga leaders Barcelona out of the race of the Spaniard.

Liverpool can swoop for Nico Williams

Hansi Flick’s side had previously been considered front runners for Williams, and news of their withdrawal will be music to the ears of Liverpool's recruitment team.

Williams has 18 goal involvements so far this season and scored late on to send his side through to the semi-final of the Europa League on Thursday night.

With a reported release clause of €60 million the 22-year-old represents a good value market opportunity, something Liverpool love to pursue, and a deal will no doubt be made easier by the absence of Barca at the negotiating table.

The Spaniard is young, versatile and available for a good price so it isn’t hard to see why he finds himself on Liverpool’s radar.

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With the path to his signing now a little clearer, Williams is definitely a player Liverpool supporters will be keeping an eye on heading into what is set to be an era-defining summer.