Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes the club is already having a “big summer” after securing new deals for Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. However, the future of star full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold remains unresolved, as his contract enters its final months.

Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp this season, is eager to retain the core of a squad that currently sits 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League. While Liverpool can clinch their 20th league title if results go their way this weekend, much of the summer narrative revolves around keeping key players in place.

"It's already a big summer now," Slot said. "The question was: could we keep our best players? We’ve already done that with two of them—Virgil and Mo. That in itself is huge. If we can maintain the rest of the group, that would make it an even bigger success."

Despite growing interest from Real Madrid in Alexander-Arnold—especially as the Spanish giants seek to refresh their squad after a Champions League exit—Slot remained tight-lipped on any contract talks.

“We don’t discuss contract situations publicly unless something is finalized, and that’s not the case here,” said Slot. “But Trent’s commitment is clear. He’s worked incredibly hard through his rehab and is showing again just how much he brings to this team.”

The 26-year-old England international could return to the bench for Sunday’s clash against Leicester City after recovering from an ankle injury. His potential departure would be a major blow, especially with Madrid reportedly viewing him as a key target.

Slot praised Alexander-Arnold’s influence, calling him “an incredible full-back” and acknowledging his contributions over the past several seasons. “Everyone who's watched football in the last five to seven years knows what Trent has done for this club.”

With Van Dijk and Salah tied down until 2026, Slot stressed the importance of continuity.

“I think if you can keep your core group together, especially when they’re performing at such a high level, that’s more important than overhauling the squad,” he said. “One or two fresh faces like Federico Chiesa can bring new energy, but we don’t need a rebuild.”

Speaking on Van Dijk specifically, Slot said he hadn’t worked with a player who matched the Dutch defender’s leadership qualities.

“He’s vital on and off the pitch. He leads with professionalism, sets the tone in training, and helps bring the best out of younger players,” he added. “If he stays injury-free, there’s no reason he can’t maintain his level.”

Van Dijk, who joined Liverpool in 2018 for £75 million, has been central to the club’s recent success, winning every major domestic and European trophy available.

As Liverpool edge closer to another Premier League crown, Slot’s focus remains on building for the future without losing sight of the present. Whether Alexander-Arnold remains part of that future, though, is still up in the air.