Arne Slot backed to make Liverpool transfer that 'doesn't come around often'

Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has urged the club to take advantage of a rare opportunity and snap up Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer.

France international Rabiot left Juventus after five years, despite the Italian club's best efforts to hand him a new contract. Liverpool aren't the only club in the mix for the former Paris Saint-Germain star, though, with other Premier League sides also linked.

New manager Arne Slot is still waiting to make the first addition to his squad after taking over at Anfield. Efforts are being made to resolve the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk - all of whom are out of contract in 2025 - but new arrivals are also expected.

Rabiot should be one of those arrivals, at least as far as Johnson is concerned. However, it's not the only deal he believes the Reds should be looking to wrap up.

“He’s a player I like and I’ve always been a fan, even more so when he’s free," Johnson told Betfred when asked about Rabiot. "He’s a top, top player and I know he’d command a certain wage with no transfer fee attached, but you can still do a deal that works for both him and the club. Players like him don’t come around often on a free, so I believe Liverpool should do all they can to sign him.”

Johnson also had his say about Marc Guehi, with the England centre-back linked with a big-money switch. "Is £65 million a fair price for him? I don’t know, but I think Liverpool should definitely try to sign him, regardless of whether Virgil van Dijk stays or not," the former right-back said.

"He could replace Virgil in the long-term, but the two playing alongside each other would allow Marc to learn from one of the best before eventually stepping into his shoes. Liverpool should definitely try and make that move happen.”

Liverpool begin their pre-season tour of the US with a friendly against Real Betis on Friday before further games against Arsenal and Manchester United. Speaking to reporters stateside, Slot appeared calm on the subject of transfers.

"If there's any news on that we will come to you," the former Feyenoord boss said. "But we already have a very good team, where I am already really happy.

"It would be a surprise for all of us if we don't bring any players in, so that will probably happen in the end. For now we are just waiting for the players to come back and waiting for the right ones to sign."