Arsenal's transfer window is set to explode into action, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg - with the Gunners thought to be in talks with Real Madrid over a potential move for out-of-favour winger Rodrygo.
The Gunners are already making tracks this summer in their bid to avoid yet another trophyless season, with various reports revealing that Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is set to join the Emirates Stadium outfit after years of service in the Basque Country - but more recruits will be needed if they are to try and topple Liverpool and Manchester City after being beaten to the Premier League title by the northern duo over the past three seasons.
The report by Plettenberg on X (formerly Twitter) states that Arsenal are now 'seriously considering' a move for Rodrygo, with sporting director Andrea Berta aiming to bolster their ranks ahead of another Premier League title push.
The report states that talks have begun behind the scenes between the two clubs, and the 24-year-old is a potential departure candidate at the Santiago Bernabeu. Although Sky journalist Plettenberg states that a deal is difficult, Arsenal are 'exploring all options' for a potential move - and a deal is on for the 'world-class superstar'. The report follows the news from GIVEMESPORT sources on Tuesday evening that Arsenal were keeping tabs on a move for the La Liga star.
The Brazilian typically plays best off the left-hand side in attack, but with Vinicius Jr shining in that role and Kylian Mbappe also being brought in over the summer, they have been two top-tier options for Carlo Ancelotti to decide upon - and with Arda Güler slowly integrating his way into the side as the club's first-choice right-winger, it's left Rodrygo struggling to garner minutes.
He hasn't featured in the last four games of the La Liga campaign, and his last start came in mid-April against Athletic Bilbao, with his previous league goal coming in a routine 4-1 win over Canary outfit Las Palmas in early January.
An upgrade is needed on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, and Mikel Arteta would be hard-placed to find a better available target than the 33-time Brazil cap on the market - and a deal could be done in the coming months.