Arsenal star desperately wants to play with forward Liverpool have 'agreed terms' with

Arsenal ace Mikel Merino believes Liverpool will be buying one of the finest young wingers on the continent if they sign Real Madrid winger Rodrygo. The Reds have been pursuing Alexander Isak, but Newcastle United have remained steadfast, rejecting a substantial £120m offer for the Swedish striker.

Despite this setback, it's reported Arne Slot's team are keeping a close eye on the situation between Isak and the Magpies, especially since the player recently returned to the club after training alone at his former team, Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, reports from Brazil suggest Liverpool are turning their attention to Rodrygo. One report even suggests an informal agreement on personal terms has already been reached between the Brazilian and the reigning Premier League champions. However, a deal remains some way off, and some reports in Spain today are claiming that the winger has now decided to stay and fight for his place. Given Merino's high praise for Rodrygo, he would no doubt be concerned about Liverpool's increased competitiveness if they do manage to pull off a deal for him before the summer is out.

In the build-up to Arsenal's second leg clash against Los Blancos, Merino was asked to select a Real Madrid player he would like to play alongside. Despite having the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior at his disposal, he chose Rodrygo.

Speaking to , he said: "They are all players of a very high level, I love them all, but I have already said that I would like to play with him [Rodrygo]. He is very good technically; between the lines, he plays very well, he runs into space well. I really enjoy watching him play. It's a profile that every midfielder would like to play with."

Arsenal had considered bringing Rodrygo to the Emirates Stadium, but instead opted to sign Chelsea's Noni Madueke for £52m. reports suggest Liverpool have been in touch with Rodrygo's representatives and could soon make an initial formal offer.

Separate claims suggest Liverpool have already spoken to Rodrygo's team, and that he has given preliminary approval to personal terms with the Reds. However, it's still early days for the potential move, with no official or formal agreement seemingly in place as yet, while Tottenham are also widely reported to be eyeing him up as a replacement for Son Heung-min.

What is clear, though, is Liverpool are seeking to bolster their attacking options. Despite the record-breaking £116m acquisition of Florian Wirtz and the £79m signing of French striker Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool are still on the hunt for additional firepower. The departure of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for £65m has left a gap in the squad, even as Mohamed Salah remains at Anfield.

Darwin Nunez, meanwhile, has caught the eye of Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. In other transfer news, Isak's deadlock with Newcastle is still ongoing, even with a second offer from Liverpool seemingly not around the corner. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe expressed uncertainty about Isak's future following their 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in Asia.

He said: "I don't know what happens next. From our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again."

Isak was seen arriving at Newcastle's training ground for discussions on Monday morning.