Liverpool and Arsenal are both willing to play Real Madrid forward Rodrygo in his favoured position on the left wing but the Gunners are currently in “pole position” to secure his signature, according to reports in Spain.
The Brazilian international could be sold for around €100m (£86m) and Defensa Central claim that Mikel Arteta’s side are the likelier of the two teams to meet that asking price.
After spending a British record £116m on Florian Wirtz, as well as shelling out nearly £100m more on three other summer signings, it is safe to assume that the Reds’ coffers are not overflowing.
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If the Merseysiders are going to match Rodrygo’s reported valuation, it may require one or two sales.
A lot may hinge on Diaz’s future at Liverpool
At the moment, the Reds don’t really need another option on the left flank, but there may be a departure in that area fairly soon.
Luis Diaz is reportedly unhappy that talks over a contract extension have stalled, and he is open to leaving, with both Barcelona and Bayern Munich interested.
If a team matches the Colombian international’s €80m (£69m) asking price, those funds could then be devoted to signing Rodrygo as his replacement.
Rodrygo is set to have showdown talks
Head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed after the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final that the 24-year-old had been left on the bench due to a “technical decision.”
Rodrygo only started one match at the tournament and Defensa Central report that the the player’s agents will meet Real’s directors soon to discuss his future.
It is more than likely that Rodrygo’s representatives will request a transfer if they don’t get certain guarantees about game time.
In other news, Liverpool have told Real Madrid how much they want for Ibrahima Konate