Arsenal and Liverpool could do battle for a January transfer target.placeholder image
Arsenal and Liverpool could do battle for a January transfer target. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Arsenal have been linked with a long-term target alongside Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window
Arsenal retain a comfortable lead at the top of the Premier League table and can be forgiven for feeling as though Mikel Arteta may have finally found the perfect formula to end the club’s 22-year wait for top-flight glory.
The Gunners’ squad-building across the park has been exemplary and has meant that injuries to previously irreplaceable players have been easy to contend with. Arguably the greatest test of them all will be faced as Gabriel’s extended spell on the sidelines continues, but Arsenal reacted well to earn a 1-1 draw away at Chelsea without either of their first-choice centre-backs last time out.
Arteta continues to assess the best options available on the transfer market in case he was to seek squad improvements in the January transfer window. One former top target has reportedly become available for a move and this has sparked interest from both of last season’s top two in the Premier League.
Arsenal and Liverpool ‘preparing bids’ for Rodrygo
According to reports by Caught Offside, Arsenal are ‘preparing their bid’ for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo as he has reportedly been ‘transfer listed’ at the Bernabeu.
Rodrygo prefers to play on the left-wing but has found Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe as significant obstacles to his chance of minutes at Real. His opportunities have lessened still under Xabi Alonso, as the 24-year-old has played just 330 minutes in La Liga this season and has gone 30 matches without scoring in all competitions.
But the two Premier League giants will feel that they can offer Rodrygo the perfect surroundings to turn his form around with a fresh start in England, after the challenging circumstances he has faced in the Spanish capital this year.
An important January awaits for Rodrygo
Despite poor form in his limited minutes this season, Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso retains public faith in Rodrygo, telling reporters that the Brazilian still has his full support and will get through his current ‘negative moment’ with Los Blancos.
Alonso said, reported by Fabrizio Romano on X: “We must believe and trust Rodrygo. No one can doubt his quality. He’s a top guy, always had top attitude and he works hard. We wait for him to break this negative moment with a goal”.
If Rodrygo were to arrive at the Emirates, he would certainly face significant competition for a starting berth with the likes of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Eberechi Eze. A new left-sided player was a priority for Arteta in the summer but following the arrivals of the versatile Eze and Noni Madueke and the strong form of Trossard and Martinelli, it will make interesting viewing whether Arteta decides to take the market opportunity to sign Rodrygo in the winter.
Prior to his recent struggles, the Brazilian had scored 68 times in 255 appearances for Madrid, including some monumental goals on the way to winning the Champions League – the type of experience Arsenal are begging for at this moment in time.
Continue Reading