Arsenal’s transfer activity is heating up, but when it comes to choosing their next wide attacker, the answer could be clear as daylight.
The Gunners have already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi has also been officially announced by Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta is pushing to add firepower to their frontline, with Viktor Gyokeres a priority and strong links to a new winger also gathering pace.
Arsenal have been linked with Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, with reports gathering pace over the week. It has been reported that Arsenal have made a £50m plus offer for Madueke, but the Blues are seeking more. Rodrygo Goes is another player strongly linked with a move to Arsenal.
Noni Madueke during a FIFA Club World Cup clash between Chelsea and Los Angeles.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
What Xabi Alonso has now said about Arsenal target Rodrygo
Arsenal have also been strongly linked with Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with reports stating that Rodrygo is Mikel Arteta’s ‘dream’ target.
The Madrid attacker has found game time limited since the arrival of the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
The Brazilian is growing frustrated with the lack of starting opportunities and is reportedly seeking an exit.
When Xabi Alonso was initially asked about Rodrygo’s future at the time of appointment, he hinted that the player is part of his plans, saying: “Rodrygo? He’s a fantastic player, and we will need him. I will talk to him soon.”
However, Rodrygo started just one of the Club World Cup matches so far and did not feature at all in three games, including their 4-0 defeat to PSG. After the game, Alonso said: “I didn’t play Rodrygo from a technical decision. We thought we would be better off with other players. It’s not about his future.”
The latest comments have once again sparked speculations about his future, with Rodrygo ready to hold talks with Madrid about his future upon their return from the Club World Cup.
Arsenal should be signing Rodrygo over Noni Madueke
Alonso’s latest comments indicate that the player is not going to be an integral part of his plans at Madrid. Which is why Arsenal should be prioritising a move for Rodrygo over Madeueke.
While Madueke is a year younger and Premier League-proven, the stats prove that Rodrygo offers more consistency, versatility, and a better end product.
Despite his limited playing time, Rodrygo scored 14 and assisted 11 last season, with the goal contributions coming across 54 games, starting 38 of them. In contrast, Madueke scored 11 and assisted five in 46 games across all competitions.
Rodrygo is a versatile player capable of playing across the front three as well as an attacking midfielder, racking up significant goal contributions regardless of the position played.
Position Appearances Goals Assists
Right Winger 146 34 31
Centre-Forward 84 22 8
Left Winger 78 23 16
Total 308 79 55
Rodrygo stats across different positions via Transfermakrt
That trait is also found in Madueke, who has played across various positions in his career. However, the 23-year-old’s best output has come as a right-winger.
Position Appearances Goals Assists
Right Winger 156 46 28
Centre-Forward 14 4 4
Left Winger 11 2 1
Total 181 52 33
Noni Madueke stats across different positions via Transfermarkt
Rodrygo may be the more expensive option on paper, but when you consider the £55 million+ already being prepared for Madueke, stretching a little further for a proven Champions League-calibre forward makes perfect sense.
With Alonso’s recent comments and Rodrygo’s growing frustration in Madrid, the opportunity is there for Arsenal.