Liverpool 'close to £34m signing' but Arne Slot forced to wait on first summer transfer

Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of signing Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, as Arne Slot’s wait for a first-new arrival at Anfield looks set to end.

The Reds identified the Euro 2024 star as a potential addition earlier in the summer, with Liverpool having worked hard to fend off interest from elsewhere.

Newcastle United were believed to be particularly keen, whereas Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Inter Milan had also been credited with interest.

According to The Athletic, Mamardashvili will put pen to paper on a move to Merseyside, with the six-time European champions spending a rumoured £34million on his services.

However, Liverpool’s squad isn’t set to change just yet, given Mamardashvili will remain at Valencia until next summer.

The move has sparked questions about the future of Alisson, who will be 32 years old by the time Mamardashvili arrives.

But, as per the report, Alisson remains the No.1 pick at Anfield, with the Brazi star still under contract until 2027.

The future of Caoimhin Kelleher is less certain though, with it suggested the shot-stopper is keen to become a No.1 pick in his own right.

Having backed up Alisson for the last few seasons, the Republic of Ireland international has been tipped to depart Liverpool this summer, but any move is likely to be put on hold until Mamardashvili arrives.

Kelleher is valued at around £25m, with Liverpool unlikely to budge on that asking price, given he’s under contract until the summer of 2026.

The wait for a new signing that will join the squad this summer looks like rumbling on, even if Liverpool are still said to be pursuing a holding midfielder.

It isn’t ruled out that Martin Zubimendi, who rejected a move to the club earlier in the summer, could turn around and accept the offer on the table from Liverpool instead.

Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil hinted at just that over the weekend, saying: “He has rejected an offer. There is no doubt that Liverpool are great and the fact that he has said no, putting in what they put in, is a reason to be proud.

“It means that things are being done well at the club and even if such powerful clubs come, Martin says no, I’m happy, but there’s still time until the 30th. Now it was Liverpool, but tomorrow it could be another great one, because the players have a level.”

Liverpool return to action this weekend for their maiden home voyage under Slot, with Brentford the visitors to Anfield.