Liverpool finally closes in on first Arne Slot signing after Giorgi Mamardashvili transfer talks

Liverpool could have the ideal transfer plan with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili with the $44m (£34m/€40m)-rated goalkeeper not exactly an obvious target for sporting director Richard Hughes .

While Liverpool could do with an alternative to Martin Zubimendi and arguably a center-back (even before we know where Joe Gomez's future might lie ) but adding in Mamardashvili would get ahead of the curve when it comes to replacing Alisson Becker . The 23-year-old's numbers are very good but he is expected to move this summer, making it a now-or-never situation for the Reds.

According to The Athletic , Liverpool is now closing in on a deal for the goalkeeper after discussions with Valencia. He would likely remain with the La Liga side for the coming campaign, before officially moving to Anfield next summer.

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It is claimed that a fee in the region of $44m (£34m/€40m) has been discussed between the parties. But there could yet be some work to do to get the deal over the line.

Spanish outlet AS reports that Valencia owner Peter Lim, the Singaporean business magnate who once attempted to buy Liverpool FC , is playing hardball with the Georgian shot-stopper. He will not let Liverpool buy him for anything below that asking price.

Lim, who owns 40 per cent of Salford City, submitted an offer to buy Liverpool back in 2010 before eventually missing out to New England Sports Ventures (now Fenway Sports Group). Four years later, he bought Valencia.

Speaking exclusively to Liverpool.com last month, former Reds goalkeeper David James, who worked as an analyst for UEFA during Euro 2024, said he was impressed with Mamardashvili . "Mamardashvili was amazing at saving shots," he said, noting, however, that no goalkeeper in the world is as complete as Alisson is at the moment.

Liverpool.com says: Mamardashvili is a very good goalkeeper and if Liverpool thinks he could replace Alisson in the future, tying him up now would be a good idea . There will be frustration, though, if he is going to be the only signing of the summer.