Arsenal have submitted a £52 million bid to sign a Real Madrid star and have even offered him a 'leading role' in the side, according to a new report.
Arteta vows to consider January signings for Arsenal
While sporting director Andrea Berta splashed around £270 million on eight major signings for the Gunners last summer, Mikel Arteta has still strongly suggested that they could be active this month.
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The Spaniard, after coping with a lot of injuries again this term, has consistently found himself short of options in key areas and has therefore refused to rule out business mid-season.
"We are open to every option," Arteta told reporters.
"Obviously, if we can find a solution that is short, medium or long. It's always much better because it gives you stability, and you don't have to constantly start a process with a new player.
“But let's see what happens, let's see what the news is in the next few weeks, and we'll try to make the right decision.”
Surprise claims from the last week have revealed that Berta and co may well raid the Bernabeu for fresh talent, no matter how unattainable they seem right now.
CaughtOffside reported before the New Year that Arsenal still hold an interest in Real playmaker Arda Güler, who they view as an "Odegarrd-style" signing on a potential loan-to-buy deal.
Arda Guler for Real Madrid
However, given the Turkey international has now established himself as a mainstay player under Xabi Alonso, it is highly unlikely Florentino Perez would green-light such a move.
A far more likely Real player to be available this month is Rodrygo, following numerous reports that the Brazil international could depart Madrid in search of more game time.
The 24-year-old, who Arsenal held talks over signing last May, was starting to play more regularly before the Christmas La Liga break - racking up a brace against Sevilla and a goal against Alaves just before their holiday.
Mesut-Ozil-Arsenal-Cancelo-Arteta Related
[Ozil repeat: Arsenal among favourites to sign "world-class" £75m talent](https://www.footballfancast.com/ozil-repeat-arsenal-among-favourites-to-sign-rodrygo/ "Ozil repeat: Arsenal among favourites to sign "world-class" £75m talent")
Arsenal are in a strong position and can afford to be picky in the winter transfer market.
However, he's still been in and out of the side far more likely than he'd have hoped, with media sources claiming that Rodrygo is desperate to leave Madrid and Arsenal are 'most likely' to sign him.
Now, a fresh update has provided some more key information on the Gunners' interest.
Arsenal submit £52 million bid to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo
According to a report from Spain, Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders to land Rodrygo after matching a £52 million offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal for his signature.
Saka-Rodrygo-Arsenal (1)
Arteta's side apparently view him as the missing piece in their team, offering him a 'leading role' and the opportunity to spearhead their attack.
Madrid have apparently received identical proposals worth approximately £52m from both suitors, forcing Perez to seriously consider selling a player who has slipped down the pecking order.
Arteta has identified the versatile attacker as someone capable of operating across both flanks while providing a genuine goal threat, with Rodrygo guaranteed playing time and the chance to remain competing at European football's highest level.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo celebrates scoring their first goal
Al-Hilal's proposal includes substantially superior wages alongside their transfer fee, creating a serious financial temptation for Rodrygo's representatives.
The final decision will largely depend on Rodrygo's personal preference, according to this report, but he isn't expected to make a call on this until the summer window, so a January transfer is seen as unlikely at this stage.
The £280,000-per-week winger bagged 14 goals and 11 assists for Real last term, with Jude Bellingham notably calling him their most 'gifted' and 'underrated' player.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after the match Related
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