Liverpool have turned down the opportunity to sign Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, allowing Arsenal to pursue him instead.
Arsenal are currently considering a transfer for the Brazilian international, who has only one year remaining on his contract with Madrid and may be available for a free transfer next summer.
Jose Mourinho’s team has also initiated discussions to sign Yan Diomande; however, their initial offer of €100 million (£85.4m) was rejected by RB Leipzig.
Similarly, Liverpool had a €100m (£85.4m) bid for Diomande turned down earlier this summer, as the Bundesliga club is seeking a transfer fee of €120m (£102.5m).
According to talkSPORT, Liverpool has been approached regarding a potential deal for Vinicius Jr this summer, but the Premier League club has decided against pursuing it.
The report states that Liverpool has engaged in ‘no meaningful discussions’ about signing Vinicius Jr and is instead concentrating on enhancing the right side of their attack following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
Vinicius Jr had an impressive season, scoring 22 goals and providing 14 assists, yet Madrid concluded the season without securing any trophies for only the fifth time this century.
The 26-year-old is currently on vacation after Brazil’s World Cup journey ended with a loss to Norway in the round of 16.
Vinicius Jr scored four goals and registered one assist at the World Cup.
Madrid, meanwhile, are also working on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder, Rodri.
The 30-year-old, who captained Spain to victory over Argentina in the World Cup final last weekend, is understood to be keen on a return to La Liga.
