Liverpool lead Arsenal in ‘crazy money’ battle for Real Madrid star

Robin Bairner

29 Jan 2026 13:02 GMT
4 min read

Arne Slot, Mikel Arteta — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

Liverpool and Arsenal are set to lock horns in the transfer market at the two Premier League giants fight to sign Eduardo Camavinga from Real Madrid, according to a report.

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The Anfield club have been no strangers to spending big in recent times, with Arne Slot’s side twice breaking the Premier League transfer record in the summer of 2025. In total, the Reds spent a massive €470 million to recruit new talent.

Now they are being tipped to “break the bank” in order to beat Arsenal to Camavinga.

Current ETV

Eduardo Camavinga

M, DM (C)

Real Madrid

Eduardo Camavinga

M, DM (C)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€53.1M - €64.9M

Madrid desperate to keep Camavinga

Real Madrid midfielder Camavinga has come into focus on the market in recent months, with several Premier League sides chasing him.

Foremost among these clubs are Liverpool, according to CaughtOffside, which claims there is “serious” interest from the Reds.

But Mikel Arteta is a strong admirer of the player at Arsenal. The Spaniard appreciates his ability to play in multiple positions, including left-back. Versatility is an attribute that the Gunners value highly as it allows their squad to be smaller and nimbler.

© IMAGO - Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid

Despite this interest, Real Madrid are set to put up a fight.

“It would take crazy money for Real Madrid to sell Camavinga,” one source explained. “Let’s see what happens, but even if Liverpool try to break the bank for him it might not be enough.”

Another source added: “There have been some initial contacts, but the message is a resounding ‘no’, not for any price.”

Liverpool transfer target still not clear

The Reds continue to be heavily linked with midfielders, although Ben Jacobs claims that they are looking at the profile of a player who can contribute more goals. That would cast some doubt on a deal for Camavinga.

Indeed, Liverpool are thought to prefer a move for Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers as Slot seeks to ease the pressure on Ryan Gravenberch with the arrival of a new star.

This report insists, though, that the Reds are pressing to complete a tough deal for Camavinga and are ahead of Arsenal in the race.

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