Arsenal have received “positive feedback” from Rodrygo’s camp that he is interested in moving to the Emirates, according to BBC reporter Sami Mokbel.
The trusted journalist, who broke the Martin Zubimendi transfer, was speaking on the Latte Firm YouTube channel when he confirmed that the Real Madrid star is open to joining the Gunners:
Most Read on Gooner News
“In terms of Rodrygo, [Arsenal are] very interested – very interested in him. I think they’ve spoken to the relevant parties connected to the player to see whether he’d be up for it. I think they’ve got positive feedback, from what I understand, he would certainly give it serious consideration.”
However, Mokbel has cautioned supporters not to get too excited. He believes that Rodrygo’s asking price and his salary will pose a problem for Mikel Arteta’s side:
“What I am hearing is that the finances attached to that deal – not necessarily just the fee, but the fee will be hefty. I think you’re looking in excess of 70 million [pounds], probably closer to 80 to get that deal done – I think the wages he would demand – not demand, he would like – he’s one of European football’s elite players, right? So he will be commanding a big wage.”
“Arsenal can do it, but I think they need to be creative in how they can accomplish that deal, but also make sure that they’ve got money coming in to ensure that the books are balanced because they’ve, as we’ve already spoken about, they really had a significant spend.”
Is Rodrygo ready to leave Real?
The Brazilian international only started one game at the Club World Cup, which was the first fixture of the tournament against Al-Hilal in the group stages.
Speaking after the semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, head coach Xabi Alonso said Rodrygo was left out due to a “technical decision”.
It is believed that Rodrygo’s representatives will hold discussions with Real’s directors over the coming days to discuss his future.
Player sales will be needed for Arsenal to make their move
As Mokbel rightly points out, the Gunners have already spent a significant amount this summer, and the additions of Viktor Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera will increase their transfer spend by an additional £80m.
That means a sizeable sale would be required to fund a bid for Rodrygo. Gabriel Martinelli would be the standout candidate, considering the position he plays and the interest being shown in him from Bayern Munich.
In other news, we look at a 23-year-old winger could be a perfect replacement for Leandro Trossard