Arsenal are planning for the future and could compete with Real Madrid and Juventus for the services of one of La Liga's newest stars in Rodrigo Mendoza of Elche
Elche's Rodrigo Mendoza
Arsenal are interested in Rodrigo Mendoza(Image: Francisco Macia/Europa Press via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Arsenal are weighing up a move for Elche star Rodrigo Mendoza after tracking the midfielder. The Gunners are said to have been 'closely monitoring' the 20-year-old's progress.
Mendoza has garnered the interest of several elite clubs due to his performances in La Liga, with Arsenal likely to face a tough task. The Spain youth international is available for £17.5million due to his release clause.
Arsenal's recruitment team have been tracking the starlet, according to the Telegraph, and will face competition from Real Madrid, who are long-term admirers. Mendoza has drawn comparisons to Barcelona star Pedri.
The Spaniard only signed a new deal with Elche in August, securing his future until 2028. Mendoza is available for a modest fee, however, due to his release clause.
Manchester City and Juventus are also among the clubs touted to be interested in his signature. Arsenal club officials are reported to have travelled to Spain to keep tabs on the midfielder's performances.
A summer exit for Mendoza is deemed more likely but a winter move cannot be ruled out. Departing for his release clause would see Mendoza become the most expensive sale in Elche’s history.
Mendoza came through the ranks at Elche and made his senior debut in the 2022/23 season in the Copa del Rey. Relegation to the second tier saw more opportunities arise for the youngster.
The academy product went on to make 26 appearances in the 2023/24 season and 24 appearances in the 2024/25 season. Elche achieved promotion in the latter and Mendoza has now made five starts in the top-flight.
Marc Casado competes for the ball with Rodrigo Mendoza
Marc Casado competes for the ball with Rodrigo Mendoza(Image: Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
With nine La Liga appearances in all, Mendoza has one goal to his name from the centre of the pitch. He remained on the bench for the club's most recent game vs Real Madrid, however.
Mendoza is already familiar with one player among Arsenal's ranks. As a Spain under-21 international, he is a teammate of summer signing Cristhian Mosquera.
Arsenal were not planning significant signings in January. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta were said to be forward-planning for the summer window.
The north London side spent significantly ahead of the season, adding key figures such as Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres. In plotting for the future, a deal for Mendoza may be better wrapped up as soon as possible, however, given the competition for his services.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image