Liverpool face Arsenal transfer battle amid Mohamed Salah 'surprise' claim

Liverpool do not have long left if they wish to sign any players for Arne Slot's first season as head coach. No new arrivals have been added to the Reds squad in the time since the summer transfer window opened back in June.

Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, have until next Friday to complete their transfer business for the summer. Until now the Reds have been linked with a host of possible new signings, but no new faces have walked through the door of the AXA Training Centre.

Martin Zubimendi was seemingly set to be the first signing of the Slot era at Liverpool, only for the midfielder to decide to remain at Real Sociedad. Reports in recent days have also stated that the Reds are seemingly closing in on signing Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

The ECHO have put together a round-up of the latest Liverpool news and gossip that have been making headlines over the last 24 hours.

Liverpool battle Arsenal for goalkeeper

Liverpool will reportedly compete with Arsenal for the signing of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Reds are monitoring Garcia with a view to potentially signing the shot-stopper. Garcia is reported to have a €30 million (£25 million) release clause in his contract which came into effect last week.

The report claims that even though La Liga rivals Girona are thought to have made an offer to sign Garcia, Espanyol have reiterated that no bids have been made for the goalkeeper.

Mohamed Salah 'surprise'

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has expressed his surprise at Mohamed Salah remaining at Liverpool.

Salah's current contract with the Reds is due to expire next summer. Rumours are continuing to swirl about whether or not the Egyptian will put pen to paper on fresh terms or leave as a free agent.

Saha has explained why he expected Salah to leave Anfield this summer, but also thinks the Premier League is better off with the Liverpool star still in the top flight.

"I’m a bit surprised that Mo Salah is still at Liverpool - I don’t know what his wish is," Saha told Paddy Power.

“He’s done tremendously well for the club, and he’s done his best every time and will always get around 20 goals a season and get you close to finals and trophies. At some point, those players will want to try new things and we’ve seen Salah’s attitude towards the club.

“It seems that it’s not always aligned between Salah and the club or the manager but he’s still there and playing with a smile on his face. He’s very motivated with a lot of emotion and that’s what we want to see in the Premier League.

“I want him to stay there and keep that competition with the clubs at the top. Salah will be up there with Erling Haaland, but while he’s here, we should enjoy it.

“I’m sure his options will be open, if he wants to leave, he’ll leave and if he wants to stay Liverpool will be happy to keep him.”