Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza ahead of the January transfer window, GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
The North London side are believed to be among a host of European sides monitoring the promising 20-year-old, who is also the subject of interest from clubs in Spain and Italy.
The Gunners are attracted by Mendoza’s €20m (£17m) release clause and have sent scouts to look closer at the midfielder twice already this campaign.
Mendoza, who is under contract until June 2028, has made five starts in La Liga for Elche so far in 2025/26, scoring one goal.
Arsenal Tracking Rodrigo Mendoza
Rodrigo Mendoza
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that Arsenal are currently happy with the midfielders they have, meaning that a deal for Mendoza is not considered imminent ahead of the market reopening next month.
“He has a release clause of €20m and this release clause is attracting several clubs.
“Arsenal had their scouts already in two games between October and November to follow Mendoza.
“Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the player. Not only Arsenal because Italian and Spanish clubs are also monitoring this boy.
“Again, Spanish, quality player, 20 years old, again €20m, could be a bargain. Arsenal are very good with these opportunities.
“Mosquera was not about a release clause, but he was an opportunity, for example, out of contract with Valencia.
“Arsenal, Andrea Berta decided to go for it and sign a top defender for a very cheap price.
“So Mendoza could be an opportunity. At the moment, Arsenal are happy with the midfielders they have, so it’s not something imminent.”
'New Pedri' Praise
Pedri with the Golden Boy award
Mendoza emerged through the youth ranks at Elche before making his senior debut in 2022/23. He has amassed 62 first-team appearances to date, scoring six goals and providing two assists.
The 'fantastic' 20-year-old helped Elche secure a return to La Liga last season and has been a regular in their top-flight campaign this term, making 10 appearances in their first 14 games.
Spanish media have heaped heavy praise on Mendoza amid his steady development, with newspaper AS calling him the ‘new Pedri’ due to his strong similarities with the Barcelona playmaker.
A midfield orchestrator, Mendoza is highly rated for his ability to play dangerous passes into the final third, as well as excellent dribbling and his ability to win fouls.
Myles Lewis-Skelly Update Emerges
arsenal lewis-skelly
Arsenal are not expected to let Myles Lewis-Skelly depart during the January transfer window despite his limited playing time under Mikel Arteta this season.
As GIVEMESPORT reported previously, the Gunners are not looking to trim down their squad ahead of the second part of the season and have no plans of letting Lewis-Skelly leave for first-team football.