Should Arsenal pay €75m for 24-year-old Champions League winner despite his €12m-a-year wage demands?
Over the last few years, Arsenal’s sporting project has been taking shape with steady steps. Under Mikel Arteta, the club has left mediocrity behind to become a real contender both in England and in Europe. However, despite the progress and tactical evolution of the team, the titles are still not coming.
The lack of attacking punch in key games has been a glaring weakness. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the board is looking to further strengthen its attack during the summer transfer window. This time, their attention is turning to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Should Arsenal pay €75m for 24-year-old Champions League winner despite his €12m-a-year wage demands?
According to information published by Spanish media Fichajes, Arsenal’s priority is to sign Rodrygo Goes. The Brazilian attacker, 24, has established himself in the system, but his future at Real Madrid seems uncertain in the face of the imminent arrival of Kylian Mbappé and the growth of Endrick.
The London club would be willing to make a significant investment in him. The figure demanded by Real Madrid is around 75 million euros. In addition, Rodrygo has asked for an annual salary of 12 million euros, a demand that has generated tension among his suitors. Even so, the Gunners are still in the bidding, willing to evaluate every detail of such an ambitious operation.
Opinion:
Critically, Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo is not without logic. He is an attacker with match-winning experience, who has shown the ability to play on both flanks and even as a false nine if the situation demands it. His one-on-one ability, his reading of off-the-ball play and his effectiveness at key moments are virtues that could bring different nuances to Arsenal’s attack.
However, Real Madrid’s asking price and the player’s salary demands cannot go unnoticed. Is it worth committing a significant part of the budget to a single player when the team needs depth in several areas of the pitch?
The 75 million is not only a gamble on quality, but also a financial risk. The London club must calculate whether Rodrygo will offer an immediate qualitative leap or whether his adaptation to the Premier League may take time. Moreover, paying him 12 million per season would upset the wage balance in the dressing room, something that could have internal consequences.
Recent history shows that many star signings, despite their credentials, fail to justify their initial investment. On the other hand, there are more affordable options on the market, such as Nico Williams or Bryan Mbeumo, who could be a better fit for both the team’s style and budget.
Still, if Arsenal believe Rodrygo can be the difference-maker in May, then it may be worth taking the risk. Today’s football rewards bravery and anticipation. But that decision should not be taken on impulse. You have to look at the numbers, the tactical fit and the long-term impact. Betting on Rodrygo is a move that can go very well or very badly. It will all depend on how convinced the club is that it is he, and not someone else, who can end the long trophy drought.