Real Madrid star Rodrygo might follow in the footsteps of Mesut Ozil and Martin Odegaard in joining Arsenal this summer.
Despite starring for the Spanish giants over the past few years, Rodrygo is concerned about his situation at Real Madrid and Arsenal are keeping a very close eye on proceedings.
Earlier in the summer, Arsenal were excited by the prospect of signing Rodrygo, a player who was also catching attention at their Premier League rivals, Liverpool and Chelsea.
However, with Liverpool moving for Florian Wirtz and Chelsea perhaps now having other priorities, Arsenal could be in pole position were Rodrygo to leave Real Madrid.
And given that Rodrygo’s first month or so working with new Real manager Xabi Alonso could be crucial, Arsenal fans have been told to keep a close eye on the upcoming Club World Cup.
Club World Cup could be crucial to Arsenal signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid
Real will be aiming to win the tournament and TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has now explained why the Club World Cup could be important for Arsenal supporters, even if Mikel Arteta’s side aren’t at the tournament.
Explaining why Rodrygo could end up being Arsenal’s next Mesut Ozil or Martin Odegaard type addition, Bailey said: “Arsenal fans need to watch Rodrygo at the Club World Cup, keep an eye on his selection at Real Madrid.
“Any Arsenal fan wanting Rodrygo to sign will be hoping that Arda Guler plays a massive role, which I suspect he might do – Xabi Alonso has made him promises.
“Vinicius Junior has just agreed a new deal that will be signed after the Club World Cup.
“Real are hoping that Alonso persuades Rodrygo to stay, but it’s ultimately up to the manager to show him his position in the squad and that he is a big part. At the end of the day, there might not be enough room for Rodrygo.
Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
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“Six to eight weeks ago Rodrygo wasn’t really on Arsenal’s radar, they didn’t think he was available.
“But I think it’s distinctly possible that Arsenal can sign him, they like him an awful lot. And I think if Florian Wirtz wasn’t going to Liverpool, Rodrygo would be in the running there as well.
“I’m told he really wants to play on the left which fits him with Arsenal very nicely. He’s seen as such a huge talent at Arsenal and it was described to be as very much like the Odegaard situation.
“Suddenly a player of that quality comes onto the table and you have to pursue it, the same happened with Ozil from Real.
“Let’s just say that this Club World Cup will be massively important to Rodrygo’s future.”
Arsenal fans can hope for another Arsene Wenger type ‘surprise’
Of course, fans will remember that Ozil was signed very opportunistically back in 2013 when he suddenly became available late in the window.
On the eve of deadline day, Arsene Wenger said, “Maybe we’ll have a good surprise for you”, and he certainly did.
And Arsenal fans would certainly welcome something similar this summer if it means that Rodrygo is playing his football in north London next season.
Arsenal plan to give Gabriel Martinelli a new contract imminently, as well as Leandro Trossard, but that is not affecting their interest in a new winger.
Moreover, given that new sporting director Andrea Berta identified Arsenal’s need for a new right-footed left winger soon after joining, Rodrygo fits the bill perfectly.
And as Bailey points out, events at the Club World Cup could be crucial for Arsenal, even if they are not there.