Report: Liverpool set to battle Arsenal in the race to sign world-class midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool and Arsenal Circle Camavinga as Real Madrid Hold Firm

Caught Offside have reported that Liverpool are weighing up an ambitious move for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, a player widely regarded as one of Europe’s most versatile and tactically intelligent operators. The figures being discussed are eye watering, with sources suggesting a price in the region of €80-100m, while others insist he is “not for sale at any price”. What is clear, though, is that Liverpool’s interest is described as serious, with “initial contacts” already made.

Camavinga’s appeal is obvious. He offers elite-level performance in defensive midfield and at left-back, a duality that fits neatly with Liverpool’s current squad planning. As one source in the report put it, “It would take crazy money for Real Madrid to sell Camavinga.” Another was even more emphatic, stating, “There have been some initial contacts, but the message is a resounding ‘no’, not for any price.”

Why Camavinga Fits Liverpool’s Squad Planning

Liverpool’s midfield has been rebuilt at pace, but depth and long-term certainty remain works in progress. The report notes a desire to “ease the pressure on Ryan Gravenberch,” alongside lingering doubts about Curtis Jones’ long-term future. In that context, Camavinga represents not just a signing, but a statement of intent.

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There is also a structural logic to the interest. With Andrew Robertson expected to leave in the summer, Camavinga’s ability to operate at left-back adds flexibility to squad building. The article suggests he could even be viewed as “an upgrade on Milos Kerkez,” which underlines how highly Liverpool rate the Frenchman’s ceiling and adaptability.

Real Madrid’s Stance and Negotiation Signals

From Madrid’s perspective, the messaging is consistent and firm. Camavinga is described as “a hugely important part of Real’s long-term plans,” and crucially, “he’s also not pushing to leave.” That combination traditionally makes negotiations close to impossible.

Yet, the piece also hints at a familiar dynamic. Liverpool are said to believe “there’s a chance that the situation could change,” a phrase that often signals hope that timing, finances, or squad evolution at the selling club may open a door later in the window or in the summer. Whether that is realism or optimism dressed up as strategy remains to be seen.

Arsenal’s Interest Adds Competitive Edge

Arsenal are also monitoring the situation. Mikel Arteta is keen to add depth in both midfield and at left-back, particularly with Christian Norgaard having “barely played” and heavy minutes on Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. At left-back, Piero Hincapie’s inconsistency and Riccardo Calafiori’s injury record leave room for reinforcement.

Caught Offside report that Liverpool are “further ahead in their pursuit than Arsenal,” but both clubs face the same immovable object in Real Madrid’s resistance. For now, the story feels less like a transfer nearing completion and more like a test of resolve, ambition, and financial limits.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan perspective, this reads as a classic case of strategic signalling as much as genuine pursuit. Camavinga is the type of player supporters dream about, technically secure, positionally flexible, and young enough to anchor a midfield for years. The logic is sound, especially with long-term questions at left-back and the need for a midfielder who can control transitions rather than just accumulate minutes.

That said, the financial reality matters. A €100m outlay for a player Real Madrid publicly refuse to sell feels closer to fantasy than feasibility. Liverpool’s recruitment in recent years has leaned towards value and structural fit rather than brute-force spending. Even last summer’s outlay, significant as it was, targeted multiple profiles rather than a single galáctico-style signing.

Supporters will also wonder how this fits with broader tactical concerns. If Liverpool are serious about controlling games, improving chance quality, and reducing reliance on volume-based dominance, then Camavinga would help. His press resistance and positional intelligence would add balance. But fans may question whether resources should instead be directed towards a creative midfielder or a forward who can tilt tight games.

In short, it is exciting to see Liverpool linked with elite-level talent again. Yet until Real Madrid soften their stance, this feels more like a statement of ambition than a deal with momentum. For many fans, that ambition is welcome, even if realism suggests this one may be more about intent than outcome.