Van Dijk hopes the club will retain Gakpo before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. The Dutch winger is valued at around £80 million, and Liverpool is in ongoing negotiations with rivals Manchester City regarding his potential departure.

Reports note that Barcola underwent a medical on Sunday and is on the verge of completing a £123 million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Over the next 48 hours, Liverpool will only allow Gakpo's departure if they secure another winger.

Following the team's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, when asked by reporters if he wanted Gakpo to stay, Van Dijk said: "What do you think? He is a talented player. I think we should keep high-quality players.

Let's see what happens in the next few days. I want him to stay, not just because he is an excellent player, but also because he is my friend. He is very important to our team."

Van Dijk is excited about Barcola's imminent arrival. He believes that signing the French international from a Champions League-winning squad demonstrates that Liverpool still has strong appeal.

"He is a good player, very fast. I remember the goal he scored against Chelsea in the Champions League last season. If he comes here, we will give him a warm welcome.

Without doubt, a club like Liverpool is attractive to top players. We all know the team is in a transition period. Players can choose to be part of it or choose to leave.

Adding quality to the squad always brings change. Let's wait and see what happens in the next few days. By the time the transfer window closes on Tuesday, we must strive wholeheartedly for every honor without regret."

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