Liverpool are still hoping to sign Chelsea reject Samuel Eto'o even after negotiating a deal to sign reported Arsenal target Mario Balotelli.

The London Metro reports how the Merseyside club have held talks with the Cameroon international's agent in the past 24 hours, and hope to secure the free transfer capture of the veteran striker imminently.

Last week it was alleged that the 33-year-old's £135,000-a-week wage demands looked to have scuppered a potential switch to Anfield, but Brendan Rodgers remains keen to add the African to his first-team ranks at Liverpool.

Eto'o spent the 2013/14 campaign in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge but was released by Chelsea on a free transfer after Blues boss Jose Mourinho deemed him surplus to requirements.

Rodgers is understood to have held initial concerns about the former Barcelona and Inter Milan star's fitness, but after seemingly securing Balotelli's signature is now happy to proceed with plans to recruit Eto'o as a back-up striker.

Arsenal blow

News of Eto'o and Balotelli's impending arrivals at Liverpool will come as a huge blow to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger who has been previously credited with an interest in bringing both players to the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are known to be in the market for striker reinforcements this summer to provide competition for Olivier Giroud at the focal point of attack in north London.

Wenger has successfully secured the high-profile signing of Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona and might deploy him in a central striker role at times, whilst also welcoming Costa Rican World Cup hero Joel Campbell back into the first-team fold following his loan spell at Olympiakos last term.

Giroud cover

However, it's clear that Arsenal still lack another traditional striker to act as cover for Giroud, who grew increasingly tired as last season wore on.

Yaya Sanogo is a possible option, but the Frenchman has shown few signs that he is of the required quality to make a significant impact in England's top-flight, even after hitting four goals against Benfica in the Emirates Cup in pre-season.

Liverpool rebuilding

But, it's Liverpool that look to have stolen a march on Arsenal as Rodgers continues his rebuilding process on Merseyside following the £75 million departure of star striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

The Reds boss has wasted little time in adding to his squad, and will hope that a double deal for Balotelli and Eto'o will go some way to filling the void left by the Uruguayan talisman ahead of the club's return to the Champions League this season.