Why Liverpool could join Arsenal in transfer race for Real Madrid's Rodrygo with Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. set to miss out - explained

Although Liverpool are not actively looking to sell Diaz, they are realistic about the market dynamics and have prepared a contingency plan. European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich have shown interest in acquiring the wide man. According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Merseysiders are ready to explore the possibility of signing Rodrygo should Diaz make a move away from the club this summer.

While Rodrygo has publicly shown no desire to leave Real Madrid, there are growing concerns over his diminishing role under new head coach Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian attacker registered 14 goals and 11 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions last season but found himself increasingly used off the bench. His reduced involvement in the Club World Cup has only fuelled speculation, with insiders suggesting the winger may now be reconsidering his future.

Los Blancos are not expected to let Rodrygo leave on the cheap. Reports claim the Spanish giants have slapped a €90 million (£78m/$106m) price tag on the Brazil international. Such a fee would restrict the pool of interested clubs to only those with the financial muscle to fund a blockbuster deal. Liverpool and Arsenal are two of the few Premier League outfits with the resources to meet that valuation. Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr can also match the fee, but the player is said to be keen to ply his trade in the English top flight rather than in the Middle East.

Adding a further twist to the transfer saga, reports from ESPN Brasil indicate that Paris Saint-Germain have also entered the frame. The reigning Champions League winners have supposedly made contact with Rodrygo’s representatives as they begin exploring a move.

Despite the swirling rumours about his future, Rodrygo remains focused on his immediate duties with Real Madrid. He is expected to feature in the upcoming Club World Cup semi-final against PSG on Wednesday. If given an opportunity, he will be looking to impress Alonso as the forward wants to continue in the Spanish capital rather than playing elsewhere.