Liverpool have turned down the chance to sign Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior ahead of Arsenal, according to reports.
Arsenal are now exploring a move for the Brazil international, who has just 12 months left on his deal with Madrid and could leave on a free transfer next summer.
Jose Mourinho’s side have also opened talks to sign Yan Diomande but their opening offer of €100 million (£85.4m) has been rejected by RB Leipzig.
Liverpool, meanwhile, also had a €100m (£85.4m) offer for Diomande turned down earlier this summer as the Bundesliga side are holding out for a €120m (£102.5m) transfer fee.
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According to talkSPORT, Liverpool have been approached over a potential deal to sign Vinicius Jr this summer but the Premier League club have opted against a move.
The report claims that Liverpool have held ‘no meaningful discussions’ to sign Vinicius Jr and are instead focusing on strengthening the right side of their attack following Mohamed Salah’s departure.
Vinicius Jr scored 22 goals and registered 14 assists last season but Madrid finished the campaign without a trophy for only the fifth time this century.
The 26-year-old is now on holiday after Brazil’s World Cup campaign ended with a defeat 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.
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