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Mikel Arteta | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal lead the way at the top of the Premier League table ahead of Manchester City and Chelsea
Arsenal delved into the transfer market over the summer to sign the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke, among others, to bolster their squad. They have the chance to freshen up their ranks in the January window this winter. The Gunners are aiming to win the Premier League title this season.
They are five points clear ahead of Manchester City in 2nd place and six above Chelsea in 3rd. They drew 1-1 with the latter at Stamford Bridge last time out. Mikel Merino scored their equaliser in the second half against the Blues.
Arsenal eye move for Elche star Rodri Mendoza
Arsenal are ‘sizing’ up a move for Elche midfielder Rodri Mendoza, as per a report by TEAMtalk. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be interested in the player. He is said to have a release clause of £17.6million in his contract.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared this latest update on his YouTube channel: “Arsenal had their scouts already at two games between October and November to follow Mendoza. Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the player. Not only Arsenal, because also Italian and Spanish clubs are monitoring him. Spanish, quality player, 20 years old, €20m could be a bargain. Arsenal are very good with these opportunities. [Cristhian] Mosquera was not about a release clause, it was an opportunity for example, out of contract at Valencia.
“Arsenal and 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, but they are monitoring the player. There are more clubs interested in him, so let’s see what’s going to happen, but for sure an interesting player to follow.”
Who is Arsenal target Rodri Mendoza and what would he offer the Gunners?
Arsenal could see Mendoza as someone to bolster their midfield department. If he joined them, he would give them more competition and depth in the middle of the park. In addition, he would give Arteta something different to call upon.
At the age of just 20, he has bags of potential and has the capacity to get better and develop in the future. He could be a shrewd long-term option for the Gunners if they managed to lure him to the Emirates Stadium. They may need to see off competition from elsewhere to land his signature though with Chelsea and Spurs also mentioned as possible suitors.
Mendoza joined Elche back in 2019 after stints with local teams Altorreal, San Miguel and Ranero. He has since risen up through their academy and was a regular for them at various different youth levels before making the step up into the senior set-up. The prospect made his first-team debut back in November 2022 in a Copa Del Rey tie against L'Alcora. He hasn’t looked back since and has become his current club’s most prized asset over recent times.
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