Football news: Liverpool face £4.3m bill as Man Utd plan firesale of six stars

The Premier League season is reaching its finale and the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are going to be plenty busy in the final weeks of 2024/25

The Premier League title could be decided tonight after Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace. If the Gunners fail to earn a point at home, Liverpool will be named champions without needing to kick another another ball.

While Arne Slot’s debut season in charge is set to end in success, there is no shortage of issues to take the attention of the division’s manager. Slot will quickly make plans for next season after a term in charge of his squad, with an issue already arising for the Reds boss.

Mikel Arteta has less than a week to continue to fight for Arsenal success. A Champions League semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain awaits him, with injury issues to resolve.

Bukayo Saka should be fit for the match, but the Spaniard still has other injury concerns. Though it does not appear that will impact his thinking for Palace too much.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim meanwhile, has given up on the Premier League. The Portuguese coach is also focused on European success and transforming his squad for next term. Mirror Football takes a look at some of the latest news and rumours.

READ MORE: Tottenham make final decision on Ange Postecoglou future with key ally set to leaveREAD MORE: Arsenal outcast could hand Liverpool title as Crystal Palace boss admits he’s ‘sad’ for him

Liverpool’s bill

Liverpool will have to foot up another £4.3million if Arne Slot decides to hand Darwin Nunez a place in his starting line-up. The 25-year-old signed for the Reds in an £85million deal in 2022 from Benfica but has failed to command a concrete place in Slot’s squad.

Darwin could yet cost Liverpool a further fee however. The Uruguay international has been linked with a move away from Liverpool but has five more opportunities to earn a spot in his coach’s first XI.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Benfica will be owned £4.3m if Darwin secures his 50th start for the Anfield side. The striker has been stuck on 49 for the past six games and has been unable to force himself into Slot’s plans.

Manchester United’s exit plan

Manchester United are set to have at least six players up for sale in the summer, ahead of a busy transfer window. The club already have plans of replenishing their strike force with the likes of Matheus Cunha and Victor Osimhen.

United have posted losses before tax of £312.9million over the past three seasons, and may need to boost their funds as a result. Amorim was told earlier in the season not to expect a big transfer budget but an overhaul of his squad could open up opportunities.

Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (Chelsea), Antony (Real Betis) and Tyrell Malacia (PSV Eindhoven) could all be sold to their loan clubs for a decent profit, and Mirror Football understands that Casemiro and Alejandro Garnacho would also be sold for the right price.

Arsenal’s Palace preparations

Mikel Arteta has confirmed he will not rest his Arsenal stars for the clash with Crystal Palace in anticipation for facing PSG. The Spaniard instead wants to build momentum and not disrupt his team’s rhythm heading into that match.

“We cannot think in those terms,” Arteta said. “When the players are fit and available, they have to play. They are at their best when they play and are consistent in their performances.

“When physically and emotionally they are good, their understanding and rhythms and the way they make their decisions is at its best. If they are not available or if they are not in good condition to perform, there’s no discussion. But if they are, we are going to play them.”

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