Following their disappointing dealings in the 2024 summer transfer window, Arsenal went all out this year.
Andrea Berta and Co made eight first-team additions by the time the window closed, and so far, it would be fair to say most have made a positive impact.
Martin Zubimendi, for example, has been an ever-present in the middle of the park; Eberechi Eze bagged a hat-trick in the North London Derby, and both Cristhian Mosquera and Pierre-Hincapie have proved their worth when called on.
Odegaard-Aston-Villa-Arsenal
However, it would also be fair to say that, so far, Viktor Gyokeres has struggled to really make his mark on the team, although if recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal could soon sign someone who'd help him do just that.
Arsenal target dream signing for Gyokeres
When Arsenal announced the £63.5m signing of Gyokeres in the summer, there was plenty of excitement from fans and pundits alike, and not just because the transfer seemed to drag out for months and months.
After all, here was a centre-forward who had just scored 97 goals and provided 28 assists in 102 games for Sporting CP.
However, with the halfway point of the season rapidly approaching, the Swedish international has scored just seven goals in 20 appearances for the Gunners, and while that isn't terrible, it is underwhelming.
Gyokeres-Arsenal
It's become increasingly clear that the 27-year-old needs more help to become the goal machine so many hoped he would be, and fortunately, the club look like they want to get him that help.
At least that is according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, which claims Arsenal are still interested in Rodrygo.
In fact, while the report states that Real Madrid are set to block a transfer in January, it has revealed that the Gunners have been back in contact with his camp, which suggests a summer move could be on the cards if they cannot convince a sale to be sanctioned this winter.
A potential price for the Brazilian international is not mentioned, but earlier this year, other stories claimed a fee of around £78m could be enough to tempt the Spanish giants into selling.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo celebrates scoring their first goal
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rodygo's ability and experience, it's one Arsenal should fight for, especially as he could help get Gyokeres firing in North London.
Why Rodrygo could get Gyokeres firing
So, given the absurd number of goals he scored over the last two years, it feels safe to say that Gyokeres hasn't just lost the ability to shoot or finish.
Arsenal-Viktor-Gyokeres
Instead, and this has become increasingly apparent the more games he plays for Arsenal, he's just not getting the chances he needs to be most effective.
Now, this is undoubtedly in part down to him and some rather lacklustre in-box movement, but were his teammates finding him more often than they currently are, his goal tally would surely start soaring.
This is where Rodrygo could come into play, as on top of being a goal threat himself, he's someone who can craft chances for others, be that through carrying the ball or passing.
Rodrygo's Scout Report
Statistics
Progressive Carrying Distance
Carries into Final Third
Pass Completion %
Carries
Total Carrying Distance
Penalty Kicks Won
Touches (Att 3rd)
Progressive Carries
Carries into Penalty Area
Passes Received
Touches
Touches (Att Pen)
Successful Take-Ons
Shot-Creating Actions
Key Passes
All Stats via FBref
For example, FBref rank him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe's top five leagues for progressive carrying distance and carries into the final third, the top 2% for pass completion, the top 9% for successful take-ons and the top 16% for key passes, all per 90.
However, it's not just his creativity that could help create space for the Swede, but also the fact that he's a goal threat himself.
In 291 appearances for Real, the "world-class superstar," as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has scored 70 goals and recorded 55 assists.
As a result, opposition defenders would have to focus much of their attention on him in attacking phases, which, in turn, should free up areas of the pitch for the former Sporting CP star.
Rodrygo vs Arsenal wingers in 2024-25
Finally, the former Santos gem, whom analyst Spencer Morgan dubbed "one of the best wingers in the world," has been there and done it all, winning multiple league and Champions League titles.
In other words, he has the nous and know-how for the biggest games and, in turn, could help the rest of the team approach them effectively.
Ultimately, it wouldn't be cheap, but Arsenal should do all they can to sign Rodygo in 2026, as he'd have a huge impact on the team, especially on Gyokeres.
thierry-henry-inter-arsenal-champions-league Related
[Arteta can drop Gyokeres by unleashing Arsenal star who plays "like Henry"](https://www.footballfancast.com/arteta-can-finally-axe-gyokeres-for-arsenal-star-who-plays-like-henry/ "Arteta can drop Gyokeres by unleashing Arsenal star who plays "like Henry"")
The incredible international star could play a significant role for Arsenal this season.