Liverpool 'want shock swap' for Rodrygo as Arsenal may set up £60m transfer battle

While the summer transfer window is yet to officially open, the rumour mill is set to go into overdrive in the coming months. However, club football will take a backseat for the next four weeks as Euro 2024 and the Copa America are set to commence.

Liverpool and Arsenal, however, remain constantly tipped to be two Premier League titans who will swiftly conduct transfer operations in order to reel in Manchester City in the coming campaign.

Both sides are believed to be actively seeking to recruit in the midfield and attacking areas, and are now increasingly likely to content for many of the same signatures.

Liverpool are poised to spring a surprise by making a substantial bid for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, as per Spanish outlet Nacional.

Reports suggests the Reds aim to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding the Brazilian star and make a move for the 23 year old. Carlo Ancelotti’s team will be strengthened by the arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, and with Vinicius Jnr already at the club, the amount of playing time Rodrygo will get next season is now uncertain.

As a result, Nacional reports that Liverpool could be prepared to make an offer to sign him, but with a twist. The Reds might propose Trent Alexander-Arnold in a bid to reduce the cost of the deal, with Madrid valuing Rodrygo at £85m (€100m).

Alexander-Arnold, with only a year left on his current contract, could be offered by Liverpool in an exchange deal to avoid losing him for free next year.

It remains unlikely that Liverpool would consider parting ways with Alexander-Arnold, unless at the stage of last resort. Madrid are however aware that his close relationship with Jude Bellingham and the prospect of moving to Spain could be tempting.

Furthermore, Liverpool needs a long-term successor for Mohamed Salah, and Rodrygo might fit the bill.

Meanwhile. Arsenal could soon find themselves at the transfer table with Liverpool for the services of Brazilian midfelder Douglas Luiz.

Arsenal has been informed of the cost to sign Luiz from Aston Villa, as reported by The Mirror. The North London club will need to shell out at least £50m, or closer to the £60m mark, if they wish to secure the 26 year old’s services this summer.

Liverpool have also been linked with the high-energy, versatile star, who was brought to English football by Manchester City.

Despite qualifying for the Champions League, Villa must sell players to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations before June 30.

Luiz is also heavily linked with a move to Juventus, with the Italian giants reportedly offering Weston McKennie as part of the deal, according to Calciomercato.