Arsenal’s Ambition Shakes Up Transfer Market as Liverpool Target Rodrygo

After sealing a sensational move for Eberechi Eze, Arsenal have shifted the dynamics of this summer’s transfer window. According to teamtalk, the Gunners are not stopping there, with Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly exploring another marquee addition before September 1. Their pursuit of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could derail Liverpool’s plans and even challenge Arne Slot’s ambitions of keeping Liverpool at the summit of English football.

Eze Arrival Signals Arsenal’s Intent

Tottenham Hotspur were edging closer to signing Eze, but Arsenal surged ahead and wrapped up a deal with Crystal Palace for the England international. Eze is expected to officially join this weekend, adding creativity and drive to a squad already stacked with attacking options. Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has already tipped the Gunners for the title following Eze’s arrival, saying his inclusion could be a game-changer.

The Gunners’ ambition has sparked further speculation, with eyes now firmly on Rodrygo. Arsenal have long admired the Brazilian forward, who has enjoyed success at Real Madrid but now faces uncertainty under Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool’s interest in Rodrygo is no secret. TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Rudy Galetti, reported on July 27 that Liverpool see Rodrygo as the ideal replacement for Luis Diaz, who joined Bayern Munich earlier this summer. A report on August 21 added more intrigue, claiming that “Rodrygo’s agents have flown into the UK to ‘hold talks’ with Liverpool as well as Manchester City.”

The City angle stems from Savinho’s potential move to Tottenham, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side monitoring Rodrygo as a contingency. This three-way tussle could define the final stretch of the window.

Graeme Bailey believes Arsenal remain in the hunt despite completing the Eze deal. Speaking to TBR, Bailey said: “Rodrygo didn’t get any minutes at all in the last match. Let’s see what happens this weekend. Rodrygo to Arsenal still has some legs. This is why we reported earlier this week that Arsenal could be interested in a possible loan move, and I wouldn’t rule it out. They’ve got a good relationship with Madrid. They’ve done it before with [Martin] Odegaard.”

He added, “I certainly wouldn’t rule that out, especially if Rodrygo pushes in the last 10 days, which is quite possible. And I still wouldn’t 100% rule [Manchester] City out of the equation just yet.”

Madrid’s stance appears clear. They value Rodrygo at €100 million (£86.2m), which makes a loan move improbable. TEAMtalk understands the Spanish giants see the Brazilian as a key squad option despite his limited minutes. He was an unused substitute against Osasuna and started just once during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Alonso seems to prefer other options, but Madrid’s desire to retain depth for another Champions League tilt complicates any exit.

Rodrygo himself faces a conundrum. At Madrid, he has largely featured on the right or through the middle, but his preference is for the left flank. A move to Arsenal would not solve that issue, given Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard occupy that role. With Martin Odegaard and Eze set to control the central areas, a switch to north London might feel like a sideways move.

Arsenal fans may dream of an attacking unit boasting Odegaard, Eze, Martinelli and Rodrygo, but logic suggests Madrid will resist loaning out a player described by Mikel Merino as “very complete, fast, physical, technical and great one-on-one.”

This saga has all the hallmarks of a dramatic transfer finale. From a Liverpool perspective, missing out on Rodrygo would sting, particularly after losing Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich. Arne Slot needs another wide option with Diogo Jota’s tragic passing leaving a huge void in both quality and leadership. Rodrygo, at 24, offers Champions League experience and versatility, making him a perfect fit for Liverpool’s high-tempo style.

However, the financial reality bites hard. €100 million is steep, even for a player of Rodrygo’s calibre. A loan move seems far-fetched unless Real Madrid buckle under player pressure, which remains possible if Bailey’s hint about the “last 10 days” proves accurate.

Arsenal fans, meanwhile, are revelling in this newfound swagger. Eze’s arrival shows intent, and adding Rodrygo would be a statement of dominance. Yet fitting him in tactically remains a puzzle. With Martinelli, Trossard and Bukayo Saka, where does Rodrygo slot in without creating friction?

For Manchester City, this feels opportunistic rather than urgent. If Savinho departs, they might move, but they are hardly desperate.

Verdict: This is one to watch until deadline day. If Rodrygo wants a fresh challenge and Madrid open the door, expect Liverpool to push hardest. Arsenal’s flirtation may keep headlines buzzing, but their priorities should lie in balancing what is already a formidable squad.