Liverpool Beat Arsenal to Personal Terms with Rodrygo Ahead of Potential £78m Transfer
Liverpool have reportedly taken a significant step toward signing Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes, having agreed personal terms with the Real Madrid star ahead of a possible £78 million transfer. The move is being positioned as a direct response to Luis Díaz’s departure to Bayern Munich.
According to Spanish journalist Siro Lopez, as cited by Sports Illustrated, the Reds have already made contact with Rodrygo’s representatives and reached a verbal agreement on personal terms. The 24-year-old, a two-time Champions League winner, is now at the center of what could become one of the most notable Premier League moves of the summer.
Arsenal are also tracking Rodrygo, but Liverpool have moved faster. The Gunners, fresh off sealing a deal for Viktor Gyökeres, are still considering the Brazilian but face internal constraints—most notably regarding wages and squad space. Leandro Trossard is thought to be the most likely candidate to leave Arsenal should they pursue Rodrygo more aggressively.
Real Madrid are open to letting Rodrygo leave, with the forward no longer central to Xabi Alonso’s long-term plans. The Spanish giants have reportedly lowered their asking price from £86 million to £78 million, making the deal more viable for interested parties.
However, the transfer to Liverpool is not without complications. Despite recent financial flexibility—boosted by last season’s Premier League title and a lucrative new Adidas sponsorship deal—Liverpool must still consider their squad structure in light of the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rules.
To accommodate Rodrygo, a sale may be required. Darwin Núñez is the most likely candidate to be moved on, as Liverpool aim to avoid a surplus of attacking players under new manager Arne Slot.
In addition to reinforcing the front line, Slot is also expected to prioritize defensive reinforcements, especially in central defense. With only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté considered reliable options, depth in that area remains a concern heading into the 2025/26 campaign.
As the situation evolves, all eyes will be on whether Arsenal escalate their pursuit of Rodrygo or turn their attention elsewhere—such as to Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace. While Eze remains an exciting option, many believe Rodrygo’s top-level experience and versatility make him a better fit for a title-challenging side.
For now, however, Liverpool are in the driver’s seat—and should Real Madrid accept the £78 million offer, Anfield could be welcoming another world-class talent before the window closes.
