Liverpool ‘face Zubimendi deja vu’ as latest Arsenal transfer battle unfolds
Arsenal announced the signing of former Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi earlier this summer.
Zubimendi looked set to join Liverpool last summer, but ultimately elected to stay at Real Sociedad for another season.
Liverpool’s rivals Arsenal won the race to sign the midfielder in the end, and the two clubs could now be set to battle it out for another world-class player.
Liverpool and Arsenal set to go head-to-head for Rodrygo
Liverpool winger Luiz Diaz has been frequently linked with a move away from the Reds this summer, though Arne Slot wants to keep him at Anfield.
If Diaz does depart Merseyside, it would leave a hole in Slot’s attack that would need fixing.
His potential replacement, Rodrygo, has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, with Reds fans hoping that the Gunners don’t get the last laugh again after signing Zubimendi.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri on X (9 July), Luis Diaz’s situation could influence Liverpool’s approach in the market, with Rodrygo a potential replacement.
The Brazilian has also attracted interest from the Gunners this summer and is reportedly prioritising a move to the Premier League despite interest from Saudi Arabia.
Rodrygo had been linked with a move to Merseyside last summer, but that ultimately failed to come to fruition.
The 24-year-old is now said to be keen on leaving Real Madrid, having struggled to claim his place in their stacked forward line.
His gametime has been reduced since Kylian Mbappe’s arrival in the Spanish capital.
Liverpool can’t get sucked into Rodrygo fight
Liverpool didn’t struggle to get over missing out on Zubimendi, and they won’t struggle should they miss out on Rodrygo.
| Season | Minutes played | Goal contributions |
| 2024/25 | 1938 | 12 |
| 2023/24 | 2391 | 15 |
It is important that Slot’s side don’t get sucked into an unnecessary bidding war for the Brazillian.
The Reds have already made strong additions in the likes of Florian Wirtz this summer, and if they are to add more to their attack, they will prioritise the signing of a conventional number nine.
Rodrygo doesn’t fit that bill and therefore won’t be made a priority unless Liverpool lose Diaz.
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