Arne Slot, the manager of Liverpool, has stated that it is "clear" how much the team wants to extend Mohamed Salah's contract at Anfield. With Al Hilal recently identified as the most likely transfer destination for the Egyptian if he decides to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer, Salah has long been regarded as the top target for the lucrative Saudi Pro League.
When questioned about Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal's recent declaration that he wanted to purchase Mohamed Salah this summer, Slot maintained that Liverpool was equally eager to finalise a deal with its lucky forward. "Everybody wants him, including us," said Slot. "We want him to extend of course as well—that is clear. "I'm not surprised that Saudi wants him but I wouldn't be surprised if other countries want him as well,” the Liverpool manager told his latest media conference.
The 32-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer, stated in January that this was his last season at Anfield because he and the team were "far away from any progress" on a new agreement. The Egypt attacker has helped the Reds to the Premier League's top spot and the Champions League's round of 16 with 23 goals this season. Salah is now seventh on the Premier League's all-time best scorer list with 19 goals in the top tier this season, bringing his total to 176.
Liverpool's big three running out contract
Arne Slot was then questioned about the talks between Liverpool and Salah, as well as those between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk as their contracts come to an end, but the manager once again refused to comment. "The answer is, of course, I speak to these players," he said. "I speak with them, not every day like Richard [Hughes, sporting director], but quite a lot.
On Saturday afternoon, Slot and Liverpool will visit the Vitality Stadium to see if Bournemouth is truly the Premier League's master of set pieces. The Reds enter the match fresh off a Champions League loss in the middle of the week but with a heavily rotated squad. Set pieces could prove to be an important weapon in Sunday's match between Arsenal and Manchester City, which could be a close contest.