TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Arsenal now find themselves in a great position to land one of their top targets.
After a slow start to the summer transfer window, Arsenal are beginning to close deals for their targets.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has already joined the Gunners, while Martin Zubimendi is on the verge of signing for Arsenal as well. They are also said to be closing in on signing Viktor Gyokeres.
One position that they have been actively looking to bolster is the left side of the attack. Arsenal missed out on Nico Williams, but they could sign Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.
Rodrygo in action for Real Madrid against FC Salzburg
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Arsenal in pole position to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Rodrygo’s representatives are actively working on his next move ahead of his return to Europe following the Club World Cup, and Arsenal are poised to make their move.
It was revealed earlier this week that Rodrygo was ready to confirm to Real Madrid that he wanted to leave, as he believes that his future does indeed lie away from the Spanish capital.
TBR Football can now reveal that Rodrygo’s team has been in constant contact with Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta all summer, following the initial emergence that the Brazilian could be open to a move.
Berta has kept the lines of communication open and has already done his background checks, confirming with Arsenal’s hierarchy that the finances, in theory, could work. Edu’s successor is convinced that the ‘world-class superstar‘ is ready to move.
The sporting director is yet to fully engage with Real Madrid, but he is aware that a deal in the region of £70m to £75m would be required to land him, something that is acceptable to Arsenal.
TBR Football can also confirm that Berta has now been informed that Rodrygo will confirm with Real his desire to leave once Madrid return from the Club World Cup and that the player will look to sort out his future as soon as possible.
Other clubs are keeping an eye on his situation as well, including Bayern Munich, but TBR Football can reveal that Arsenal are ahead in the race to sign him.
Rodrygo is Arsenal’s dream but alternatives considered
While Rodrygo is Arsenal’s dream target, the club has been doing their homework on other alternatives as well.
These options include the likes of Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey revealed: “I am told Andrea Berta made Rodrygo one of his top targets months ago, he recognised very early the situation that was emerging around him.
“Rodrygo’s team have engaged with him throughout. This isn’t a blind chase by Berta and Arsenal, they have done a lot of work on him.
“He is not their only target, but the chances of landing him have been increasing every month since Berta first had contact.
“But as we have seen with the striker hunt, Arsenal are not focusing on one option. They also realise that a player of Rodrygo’s quality will be wanted elsewhere, but they firmly believe they can compete with any club for any player.”