Arsenal boss Mikel ArtetaArsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta | AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal are set for a hectic summer, as they look to sign the players capable of taking them to the Premier League title
Arsenal passed up on the chance to bring in some attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window. They could certainly have done with adding some more depth to their options at the top end of the pitch, especially after injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. The Gunners now need to ensure that they acquire some reinforcements in that department this summer as they prepare for the 2025/26 season.
Arsenal eye move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo
Arsenal have been linked with an ambitious move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo. According to TBR Football, the Gunners are interested in luring over the top talent to England over the coming months. However, they face strong competition from elsewhere to land his signature, with Liverpool also mentioned as a potential suitor.
Rodrygo, 24, is facing an uncertain future with his current club and they could well look to sell him in the near future. If he were to leave Spain, he would have a big decision to make on where he wants to go next in his career. One thing that is for sure is that he needs to pick a team where he is guaranteed regular first-team football.
The Brazil international, who has made 33 caps for his country, would be ideal for Arsenal. He would inject a ton of quality into their ranks and landing his signature would be a massive statement of intent. It would make other teams like Liverpool and City stand up and take notice.
Arteta’s side could do with splashing the cash to show that they mean business. Rodrygo could battle it out with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinello and Leandro Trossard for a place in their starting XI. He would give them another strong option to pick from on the wing which is what they need as they continue to juggle their domestic duties with the Champions League.
Rodrygo started out at Santos and rose up through their academy ranks. He was a regular for the Brazilian club at various different youth levels as a youngster. The attacker broke into their first-team in 2017 and went on to make 80 appearance in all competitions, finding the net on 17 occasions, before he moved over to Europe.
Real Madrid snapped him up in 2019 and he hasn’t looked back since. He has scored 68 goals in 267 matches for the Spanish giants, 14 of which have come this term. The forward has also won everything so may fancy a change of scene to test himself somewhere else. The Emirates Stadium and the Premier League could be the perfect setting for him to showcase his talents and reinvigorate his career.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya swap deal to Real Madrid option
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has emerged on the radar of Real Madrid, as per The Mirror. The Gunners are at risk of losing their number one and is said to be wanted by the current European champions. However, if the speculation is true, Arteta could try and use the stopper as part of a swap deal plus possible cash to try and get Rodrygo.
That would suit both parties involved and mean that one isn’t getting left short changed. Raya, 29, moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2024 and has since been the first choice. He has played 93 matches for the London outfit to date and still has a few years left on his contract. The Spaniard played for Blackburn Rovers from 2012 to 2019 before Brentford lured him to the capital. He made 161 outings for the Bees and helped them get promoted from the Championship under Thomas Frank in 2021. The Barcelona-born man then linked up with Arsenal and hasn’t looked back since.
If the Gunners were to lose Raya, they would need to find the right replacement. Back-up ‘keeper Neto is due to return to AFC Bournemouth when his loan ends. That means that they might actually require a couple of new players in this area over the coming months.
Interestingly, Arsenal are said to be ‘close’ to landing Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, according to the Independent. He has a release clause of £20million and has caught the eye in La Liga over recent times. The 24-year-old has enjoyed plenty of minutes and has featured on 33 occasions this season.
Garcia, 24, has been on the books of his current club for his whole senior career to date. He may now move on though for a change of scene. The Spaniard might be the perfect player to step into Raya’s shoes should he depart for Real Madrid but like any player from abroad, patience would be required whilst he adapted to life in a new country.
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