Berta to bid for sensational €90m Real Madrid signing as Liverpool battle begins
A report claims Arsenal are preparing a bid to challenge Liverpool for Rodrygo, while sources have also provided TEAMtalk with an update on the Real Madrid ace.
Rodrygo strongly considered a move away from the Bernabeu this summer before being convinced to stay, but he is weighing his options again. The striker rarely plays in his preferred position on the left wing as Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe are also available for Xabi Alonso.
The Brazil international is a world-class player when fully fit, but has mainly been used as an impact substitute so far this season.
Rodrygo’s fantastic career in numbers
- Joined Madrid from Santos for €45 million in July 2019
- Scored 68 goals and 53 assists in 285 appearances
- Trophies include two Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles and one Copa del Rey
Of his 15 appearances, only four lasted 45 minutes or more.
On Tuesday we revealed Liverpool had significantly increased their interest in Rodrygo after admitting Antoine Semenyo was ‘closer to Manchester City than us’.
As City intensify their search for the Bournemouth striker, Liverpool have instead held exploratory talks with Rodrygo’s camp.
We understand that Madrid are prepared to listen to offers in the region of €80-90m (£70-79m) for the Brazil international in January.
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Liverpool and Arsenal in the fight against Rodrygo
Caught Offside have backed our reports, saying Liverpool are “preparing a bid” for Rodrygo after identifying him as a “high-class” attacking signing.
But Liverpool face competition from Arsenal, who are preparing their own offer.
The report states that Arsenal and Liverpool are currently “leading the hunt” for Rodrygo.
Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has chosen the 24-year-old to replace Gabriel Martinelli and is understood to be ready to “match Madrid’s asking price”.
We asked a transfer insider Graeme Bailey about the situation, and he said: “Real Madrid insist that Rodrygo is still part of their plans, but they recognize that approaching a World Cup year is not easy for him.
“He was persuaded to stay this summer by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, and although Xabi Alonso rates him, he is behind Arda Guler in the pecking order.
“I’m told that Real want to keep him until the summer, at which point we will see the likely return of Nico Paz which will only accelerate his exit.
“The intermediaries are working hard to find options for him – this has involved opening the lines of communication once again with Arsenal – who have pushed hardest this summer – Liverpool, as we know, but also Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
“These are the clubs that Rodrygo would consider joining, these are not the clubs that approach them.
“As it stands, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham are all keeping abreast of the situation – they want to know.
“If Real approves a possible loan move, that’s when things could move forward. At this stage, however, Real say it’s unlikely.
“If the player pushes to leave, we’ll have to see what happens. But Endrick’s situation also complicates things, if he continues as planned – Real won’t let them both leave. They insist on it.”
Arsenal sign another top winger; strong links between Liverpool and Madrid
Meanwhile, Fraser Fletcher reported to us on Monday that Arsenal are also “setting the stage” for a stunning raid on Bayern Munich.
Speculation that Liverpool could sign even more Madrid players refuses to go away. Arne Slot’s side are expected to offer €60m (£53m) for a Los Blancos midfielder.
Plus, we’ve analyzed the astonishing claims from the Spanish press that Liverpool could resume their pursuit of Jude Bellingham.