Luis Diaz contingency? Arsenal's top winger target gets unexpected competition

Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has encountered fresh competition, with reports indicating that Liverpool are now preparing to join the race for the Brazilian’s signature.

The Gunners have been studying Rodrygo’s situation for months and appeared to be positioning themselves for a potential move later in the window.

However, according to French journalist Santi Aouna, Liverpool are now expected to rival Arsenal for the 24-year-old, with new manager Arne Slot said to be a strong admirer of the winger.

Rodrygo’s role at Real Madrid has diminished significantly under Xabi Alonso, who barely used him at the Club World Cup and is reportedly open to parting ways with the attacker this summer.

Arsenal have maintained regular contact with the player’s representatives and remain keen, but may need to accelerate their approach if Liverpool firm up their interest.

The Reds’ pursuit of Rodrygo is likely to depend on the future of Luis Diaz, who is attracting serious attention from Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

If Diaz departs, Liverpool are expected to move swiftly for a replacement, with Rodrygo viewed as a top target due to his pace, end product and versatility across the front line.

Madrid are believed to be open to selling the Brazilian for a fee in the region of £80–85 million, and are quietly inviting offers amid internal acceptance that Rodrygo’s best opportunity for consistent minutes may lie elsewhere.

Arsenal, for their part, have been focused on finalising other deals, including moves for Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera, but Rodrygo remains high on their list of attacking reinforcements.

The club have been monitoring his reduced involvement under Alonso, particularly with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and the continued form of Vinicius Junior restricting Rodrygo’s game time.

While Arsenal are understood to be weighing up the financial package required for a move, the growing interest from Liverpool and others could force a decision sooner than initially planned.

Rodrygo is reportedly open to a Premier League switch and views Arsenal as a strong option, though the situation remains fluid.

With Madrid now prepared to negotiate and the transfer window heating up, a bidding battle could soon emerge, placing pressure on Arsenal to act decisively if they intend to make a move.

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