Arne Slot speaks out on Luis Diaz transfer to Manchester City from Liverpool

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has responded to speculation linking star winger Luis Diaz with a move to Manchester City in the upcoming transfer window.

El Chiringuito reported on Tuesday afternoon that the Colombia international has agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League champions.

The report adds that City are ready to pay €70 million (£59.8m) for the 27-year-old, although Liverpool sources claim that the club haven’t received an approach.

Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp at Anfield this summer, has now issued a response to the reports that have emerged from Spain over his talented player.

Quizzed about the Diaz speculation, Slot said: ‘When I walked in, the whole day is about talking about football, it’s no surprise I hear speculation about Diaz.

‘Is there anyone we don’t talk about? His future is with us. I like a lot of what I saw. He has had a big impact on Liverpool and I hope he has one for the coming season.’

Meanwhile, Slot has publicly defended Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, who has been slammed by the club’s fans recently over transfers.

“His future is with us, I like a lot from what I’ve seen”

Arne Slot says forward Luis Diaz will remain at Liverpool 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/qZgoVvaWK6

Asked about summer target Martin Zubimendi turning down the chance to sign for Liverpool, Slot added: ‘I said many times already our squad is really strong so it is not easy to find players to strengthen.

‘Zubimendi was one but he chose not to come here so we go forward with the ones we have. We’re in a good place and Richard is trying to improve the squad in the background.

‘Zubimendi didn’t want to come and Richard tried everything. We kept the same team but lost Thiago, Joel and Adrian and you always talk about transfers but we have a positive team already.’

Liverpool travel to promoted side Ipswich Town in their first game of the new 2024-25 Premier League season on Saturday.

Ahead of that match, Slot said: ‘We start against a promoted team who have done so well under their manager, so now we get ready.

‘We have seen their games from last season and pre-season. It is true a promoted club has a lot of positivity. They are looking forward to it, but so are we.’