Arsenal are going to be busy in this summer transfer window in terms of attacking additions.
Indeed, while it’s been a slow start for the Gunners so far, Arsenal have plenty of exciting options in their sights right now.
Arsenal will sign a striker this summer and Viktor Gyokeres has been strongly linked to Arsenal.
On top of that, Arsenal also want to bolster the wide areas.
Rafael Leao was linked to Arsenal at one point, but now, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is a key Arsenal target.
Speaking on the Highbury Squad YouTube channel, Ben Jacobs has been discussing Arsenal’s links to Rodrygo, and he’s shared an interesting update.
Arsenal target Rodrygo Goes looking on during Real Madrid's clash with Al-Hilal at the Club World Cup.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Real Madrid happy to sell Rodrygo to Arsenal
Jacobs shared what he knows about the Brazilian and his links with a move to the Emirates.
According to the journalist, Real Madrid would be happy to sell Rodrygo to Arsenal, while the winger himself is genuinely aware that Arsenal want to sign him.
“Real Madrid are open to selling Rodrygo, that is my understanding. I believe there were reports today backing that up. The number I’m told is €90m (£78m), potentially £100m if the structure is less preferable, but at the cheaper end, €90m is the figure Real would entertain,” Jacobs said.
“I don’t expect that many complications between Real Madrid and Arsenal. My information is that Real Madrid are prepared to sell and happy to sell to Arsenal as well if they decide to advance it.
“Rodrygo is aware that Arsenal are interested, but we’ll only find out if this develops after the Club World Cup.”
Rodrygo compared to Gabriel Martinelli
Rodrygo looks like he would be a very exciting signing for Arsenal. After all, he’s been a key player for Real Madrid in recent years and he’s a Champions League winner.
However, when you look at his numbers from last season, there is reason to be sceptical about this move.
Rodrygo wants to play on the left wing if he joins Arsenal, and that would mean displacing Gabriel Martinelli.
However, when you look at the numbers, there isn’t all that much between these two players.
Rodrygo Gabriel Martinelli
30 Games 33
6 Goals 8
5 Assists 4
Statistically, Martinelli is coming off the back of a better season than Rodrygo, so is it really worth paying £78m to sign the Real Madrid star? That is a question Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta seriously need to ponder.