Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has urged the Gunners to reignite their interest in his Brazilian compatriot Rodrygo.
The Invincible midfielder encouraged the Real Madrid star to 'make the next step' this summer and tipped his old club as 'the perfect fit.'
Rodrygo has been linked with a move to the Premier League
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Rodrygo has been linked with a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
In May, talkSPORT revealed that Arsenal were genuine contenders to sign Rodrygo, who was thought to be unsettled at the Bernabeu.
The 24-year-old ultimately stayed put at Madrid, but has continued to play second-fiddle to Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Rodrygo stats
The winger is without a goal in 13 LaLiga and Champions League appearances this season, having started just three of those games.
"I know him and we've met a couple of times, but I don’t know his situation with Arsenal," Silva told talkSPORT.com, via Casino.Guru.
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"At the beginning of the season, I thought it would be fantastic to have Rodrygo at the club.
"It is clear he will not have much of an opportunity to play under Xabi Alonso at Madrid, but he's a great player with real talent, which is a waste if he is on the bench - but obviously there is big competition at Arsenal as well."
Mikel Arteta's side held exploratory talks with Rodrygo's camp, but ultimately sought attacking reinforcements elsewhere.
Noni Madueke arrived for £52million from Chelsea, before his England teammate Eberechi Eze snubbed a switch to Tottenham for Arsenal.
Neither Leandro Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli ended up leaving north London during the summer despite speculation beforehand.
However, Silva added that Arsenal should still try and make a play for Rodrygo if the opportunity does present itself.
Rodrygo has found gametime hard to come by under Alonso this season
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Rodrygo has found gametime hard to come by under Alonso this seasonCredit: Getty
Bellingham previously described Rodrygo as the most talented in Madrid's squad
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Bellingham previously described Rodrygo as the most talented in Madrid's squadCredit: Getty
Rodrygo to Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhães described his countryman as a 'phenomenon', while Jude Bellingham claimed he is the most talented and most gifted player in the Real Madrid squad.
Silva added: "He’s got the ability to perform not only from the left side but in other positions across the forward line as well.
"Should Arsenal go in for him? Why not?
"If he's not happy and there is an opportunity to increase the strength of the squad, then we can try and get him.
"The only question is, where would he fit? Maybe a few years ago, it would have been much easier to find a good player to fit that Arsenal squad.
"However, nowadays, even if you are a good player, it's not so easy to find a starting place in this current team."
Rodrygo has only started three matches for Real Madrid this season
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Rodrygo has only started three matches for Real Madrid this seasonCredit: Getty
Other suitors
Rodrygo has won three LaLiga and two Champions League titles with Madrid since signing in 2019, scoring 68 goals and assisting 53.
At the start of June, Los Blancos valued the Brazil international, who has a contract that runs until 2028, at €90m (£77m).
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Rodrygo remains a long-standing Saudi Arabia target, but links with Chelsea and Spurs are wide of the mark, talkSPORT understands.
Arsenal, who still love the player, remain in a similar position due to the overall package with the squad depth they already have out wide.