Arsenal could fund a bid for Rodrygo by cashing in on Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunner star has recently been linked with a move to Bayern Munich as Vincent Kompany looks to bolster his options on the flanks.
Martinelli, who sees his contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in June 2027, featured 33 times in the Premier League this season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. Playing a key role in Mikel Arteta's side, he helped Arsenal finish second and qualify for the Champions League.
The Brazil international largely featured on the left, though he did enjoy a spell on the right during the festive period. His impressive performances haven't gone unnoticed, reportedly attracting interest from the Bundesliga champions.
According to German outlet Bild, Bayern want to sign Martinelli this summer. The report claims that Kompany's side have expressed an 'interest' in the winger following Leroy Sane's departure.
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The former Manchester City star recently left Bayern to join Galatasaray on a free transfer. Bild reckons that the German giants have also shortlisted Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo as options, as well as Jamie Gittens.
If Martinelli were to leave the Emirates Stadium, The Athletic claims that Arsenal would want at least £50m for his signature. While the Brazilian only has two years left on his deal, the Gunners reportedly reserve the option to extend his stay by an additional 12 months.
Martinelli has been an outstanding servant since he arrived from Ituano, a third-tier Brazilian side, for just £6m in 2019, but his sale could help Arsenal reach the next level. The funds collected from a potential transfer could fund a bid for Rodrygo.
Rodrygo could possibly become an Arsenal player this summer
Rodrygo could possibly become an Arsenal player this summer (Image: Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
In an ideal world, Arteta has both wingers at his disposal next season, but the Gunners need to make a world-class addition to their frontline this summer if they want to finally get their hands on a major trophy again.
According to the Mirror, Real Madrid may be willing to allow Rodrygo to leave if they receive an offer in excess of £70m. The report claims that the 24-year-old is on Arsenal's radar as an ambitious target, and there's a belief at the Emirates Stadium that Los Blancos could be willing to do business.
It's said that the north Londoners know the Spanish giants may soften their stance as the transfer window progresses. Speaking to reporters ahead of Arsenal's final game of the season, Arteta was asked about the Rodrygo links.
Arsenal have been handed numerous Rodrygo Real Madrid updates
Arsenal have been handed numerous Rodrygo Real Madrid updates (Image: (Photo by Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images))
The Spaniard said: "I wouldn’t like to name a player. But the biggest thing is that, and using the word pride, we have brought the club into a position, into a place that next season you have to win a major trophy.
"That means that everybody believes that we have the level, that we have shown the consistency and we are an elite team in this country and in Europe and if you don't do that, then what is going to happen?
"For me that is the biggest statement, that Arsenal is there..."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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