Journalist: Liverpool set to hijack £51m Arsenal deal for World Cup ace

Liverpool’s midfield search for Kaishu Sano is increasingly tied to a potentially blockbuster pursuit that could reshape the club’s summer spending. Reported by Fraser Fletcher of TEAMtalk, Liverpool have held talks and are “prepared to offer up to €60 million (£51m / $69m)” for the Japan international, Mainz valuing him at close to that figure and treating it as non-negotiable. The pitch is based on Sano’s profile as a defensive midfielder, emphasizing ball-winning ability, composure, and endurance. In 2025-26, he made 48 appearances for Mainz, scoring twice and providing five assists. For Japan, he featured in all but one of the 2026 World Cup matches and scored against Brazil in the Round of 32. Arsenal, Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund, and others are also monitoring him.