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Liverpool and Arne Slot can count themselves lucky after reports suggest Arsenal has rejected a mammoth swap deal involving transfer target and Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
Despite shelling out nearly $270 million this summer to bolster their frontline with Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, the Reds remain in the market for more firepower. Alexander Isak's transfer saga is still dragging on after his refusal to play for Newcastle United, but another name that may be on the club's shortlist is Los Blancos winger Rodrygo.
The 24-year-old Brazilian is supposedly seeking an exit this summer and is admired by a host of Premier League clubs. Last week, it was reported that Anfield would be his preferred destination, and Liverpool will be pleased to learn of a supposed swap deal turned down by the Gunners.
According to Marca, Mikel Arteta's side received a swap offer from the Spanish giants involving star center-back William Saliba. Real has long held an interest in the Frenchman and is eager to secure his services in the near future, as his contract expires in 2027.
It has now been suggested that the club has attempted to sign Saliba earlier than anticipated, offering up Rodrygo, who was reportedly on Arsenal's radar already.
Real is thought to value Rodrygo at around $105M. While they evidently believe Saliba's valuation is similar, they were unsuccessful with their offer, which will be music to Liverpool's ears.
Thanks to their strong position regarding PSR, the Reds can still spend this summer, regardless of the arrivals of Ekitike, Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
Liverpool could target Rodrygo before the window shuts, and ESPN reported last week that should he leave the Bernabeu, he would prefer to end up on Merseyside.
However, a deal for Newcastle's Isak is likely higher up on the club's agenda. After informing the Magpies in July that he wished to move on, the two parties have subsequently been forced into a stalemate, with Isak refusing to play and Newcastle refusing to sell unless they received an adequate offer.
Liverpool initially submitted a bid just shy of $150M for Isak, though this was turned down. Eddie Howe's side is thought to value the 25-year-old striker at around $200M.
Isak missed Newcastle's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday. He has been training in exile away from the first team in an attempt to force through a move, and was the subject of angered chants from Magpies fans at Villa Park.
Liverpool boss Slot was queried about his options last week and admitted that they are looking to add one more attacker, which could turn out to be either Isak or Rodrygo.
"I see Hugo [Ekitike] mainly as a No. 9 that could also play from the left or play together with another No. 9," Slot told Sky Sports before their 4-2 victory against Bournemouth.
"It's clear that with Darwin [Nunez] gone, with Luis Díaz gone, and even last season we had five or six options - Diogo [Jota], I need to mention him as well - we need to have one more attacker at least."
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