Karim Benzema exit could open Liverpool star’s transfer as Moises Caicedo ‘agrees personal terms’

Liverpool’s season is over, and all the attention now turns towards the club’s business in what is expected to be a very busy transfer window at Anfield.

Jürgen Klopp and new sporting director Jörg Schmadtke are tasked with rebuilding a squad that has endured a disappointing season, having failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League or challenge for any trophies.

Much of their efforts will be focused on the midfield, although Klopp has admitted he’s looking at all areas of his squad heading into the summer.

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But Liverpool fans will also be keeping a close eye on matters elsewhere, particularly wherever some of the Reds’ rivals are concerned. On that front, there’s news of a major departure for one of Real Madrid’s biggest stars which could affect a Liverpool favorite, while Moisés Caicedo looks to be closing in on a move, although it seems his destination is still undecided.

Here, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the other big sides in the Premier League and around Europe to take a look at the news going on at the other clubs.

Real Madrid confirm Benzema exit

Real Madrid has confirmed Karim Benzema will leave the club this summer, with the French international expected to make the move to Saudi Arabia.

The Spanish giants released a statement on Sunday to confirm Benzema will leave the Bernabéu, having come to an agreement with the club after 14 years in Spain, having signed back in 2009.

Benzema is now expected to join former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Express reporting the 35-year-old will sign for Al-Ittihad on a free transfer in a deal worth $214m (£172m/€200m) per year.

Liverpool.com says: Benzema’s departure signals the end of a great period with Real Madrid, and may also point to the end of an era as Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos near the end of their respective careers. Not only that, but it could have a knock-on effect for a Liverpool favorite.

Roberto Firmino has been linked with a move to the Bernabéu (via Fabrizio Romano/TEAMTALK) as he brings an end to his time at Liverpool. It’s difficult seeing the Brazilian going to Madrid as a first-choice forward, but it’s a move you couldn’t begrudge him after years of service at Anfield.

Caicedo ‘agrees terms’ with Arsenal

Moisés Caicedo has agreed terms with Arsenal, but remains undecided on his next club as he weighs up a move from Brighton, according to reports in Ecuador.

Caicedo is expected to leave the Seagulls this summer, with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi confirming he expected the midfielder and Alexis Mac Allister to have played their final games for the club.

According to Ecuadorian outlet Teradeportes (via the Mirror), Caicedo has now agreed personal terms with Arsenal, with the Gunners leading the way for his signature after qualifying for the Champions League. Chelsea though could offer the midfielder better wages, with Mauricio Pochettino hoping to lure the 21-year-old to Stamford Bridge, while Liverpool has not been ruled out of the running.

Liverpool.com says: This does seem as though it may be Arsenal’s race to lose. The Gunners were the frontrunners when Caicedo seemed certain to move in January, and they clearly haven’t given up on their interest.

Still, with Liverpool seemingly on the verge of signing Mac Allister, and James Milner reportedly heading in the opposite direction, the Reds are building up a good relationship with Brighton which might mean they’re in with a shout.