In a transfer market bustling with speculation, Liverpool have seemingly stepped away from pursuing Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, clearing a potential path for the Brazilian forward to make a move to Arsenal. This comes as Liverpool look to fortify their ranks with alternative options, especially amid the looming prospect of Luis Diaz’s departure to Bayern Munich.
The Anfield club has been active in the transfer window, already securing deals for Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong. Striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt is also expected to join shortly. Despite these acquisitions, Liverpool manager Arne Slot is keen on signing a centre-back, marking Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi as the prime candidate, with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa as another possibility.
While the Reds are focusing on bolstering their defence, the need for forward reinforcements is pressing, with Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott both anticipated to exit alongside Luis Diaz. Bayern Munich has made a substantial bid for Diaz, currently waiting in the wings with an improved offer of up to €80m after Liverpool declined their initial €67.5m proposition.
Rodrygo had surfaced as a potential successor to Diaz at Anfield, yet reports from The Athletic’s James Pearce indicate Liverpool are not in discussions over the Real Madrid frontman. Pearce updated on social media platform X, clarifying, “Liverpool yet to receive an improved bid from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz. Player has trained normally in Hong Kong. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo currently not viewed as a possible replacement.”
Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace has also been touted as a target, while Chelsea’s negotiations for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons could facilitate Arsenal’s pursuit of the Palace star. Nonetheless, Graeme Bailey of TBR Football suggests that Liverpool might reignite interest in Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, should Diaz leave Merseyside.
Bailey elaborates, “There are several moving parts, but Anthony Gordon to Liverpool could resurface. Diaz departing would necessitate a left-sided player coming in, and Gordon is very much on the radar. Liverpool’s longstanding interest remains, as well as Gordon’s affinity for the club.”
Despite Gordon’s current situation at Newcastle, where he has experienced mixed fortunes, his affection for Liverpool could eventually see him don the famous red shirt. “Gordon would walk to Liverpool, it’s his hometown and his dream. It seems inevitable that he will feature for Liverpool, whether it’s this summer, next, or thereafter,” Bailey concludes.
Stay tuned for more updates from Liverpool’s transfer endeavours and details on Rodrygo’s next destination.
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