Sandro Tonali, Piero Hincapie, Jesus Rodreguez, Leon Goretzka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ogedaard feature in Arsenal roundup from the past 24 hours…
Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Como midfielder Jesus Rodriguez following a string of impressive performances in Italy this season, according to sources cited by icfootballnews. The Gunners are said to be keeping a close eye on the emerging talent as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the next transfer window.
Rodriguez has been one of the standout performers for Como during the current campaign, earning praise for his composure on the ball, tactical intelligence and ability to influence games from midfield. His displays have helped the club remain competitive in Serie A and have not gone unnoticed by scouts across Europe.
ARSENAL are understood to be among the clubs showing interest in the player, with reports suggesting the North London side have been tracking Rodriguez’s development for several months. The club’s recruitment team is believed to view him as a player with significant potential who could add depth and versatility to Arteta’s midfield options.
The midfielder has built a reputation this season as a dynamic and technically gifted midfielder capable of contributing both defensively and in attack. Rodriguez’s ability to carry the ball forward, break opposition lines with his passing and maintain possession under pressure has made him a key figure in Como’s system.
Sources close to the situation claim Arsenal have been impressed not only by Rodriguez’s technical qualities but also by his consistency and maturity despite his relatively young age. The club’s scouting department has reportedly attended multiple Como matches this season to assess the midfielder’s progress.
However, any potential move may not be straightforward. Como are understood to value Rodriguez highly and could be reluctant to part with one of their most influential players unless a significant offer is made.
The Italian club see the midfielder as a crucial part of their long-term project and may attempt to tie him down to improved terms if interest from bigger clubs continues to grow.
ARSENAL, meanwhile, are expected to review several midfield targets as they plan for the upcoming transfer window. With the club competing domestically and in Europe, Arteta is keen to ensure he has sufficient depth and quality in the middle of the park.
While no formal approach has been made at this stage, Rodriguez’s strong performances have clearly put him on Arsenal’s radar. If his form continues for the remainder of the season, the midfielder could find himself at the centre of increasing transfer speculation in the months ahead.
GORETZKA BOOST
Leon Goretzka has given Arsenal fresh hope of a securing a summer deal for his services after talking up the possibility of a move abroad when he leaves Bayern Munich at the end of the campaign.
The German star currently plays for FC Bayern Munich and has been an important figure in the club’s midfield for several seasons. However, speculation about his long-term future has intensified in recent months, with several Premier League sides monitoring the situation.
Speaking recently about the next stage of his career, Goretzka suggested that a move outside Germany could appeal to him when the right opportunity arises. Those comments have reportedly alerted clubs across Europe, including Arsenal FC, who are believed to be assessing midfield options ahead of the summer transfer window.
He told Sky Deutschland: ‘I had already said it when I announced my decision, that I had the feeling that now was the time to leave. Maybe it’s the last chance I have to go abroad. I do want to play really competitive football again.’
Asked whether he is more of a ‘sun’ or an ‘English rain’ type, Goretzka joked: ‘Who doesn’t like the sun, right? But I certainly won’t make my next stop dependent on the weather. ‘We’ll find something nice.’
ARSENAL have been linked with a number of midfield reinforcements as manager Mikel Arteta looks to maintain depth and quality in the centre of the pitch. Arsenal remain determined to strengthen a squad that has been competing at the top end of the Premier League while also balancing the demands of European competition.
Goretzka’s experience at the highest level is thought to make him an appealing option. Since joining Bayern in 2018, the Germany international has won multiple domestic titles and played a key role in the club’s triumph in the UEFA Champions League in 2020.
Known for his powerful running, physical presence and goal-scoring ability from midfield, Goretzka has developed into one of the Bundesliga’s most recognisable central midfielders. His versatility allows him to operate as a box-to-box player, a deeper midfielder or even in a more advanced role when required.
While there has been no formal approach from Arsenal at this stage, reports suggest the club’s recruitment team has long admired the player’s profile. The possibility that he could consider a move abroad has only increased interest among potential suitors.
ARSENAL are expected to review multiple targets before making concrete decisions once the summer window approaches, but adding Goretzka on a free deal is a real possibility
MARTINEELI PRICE SET
Speculation surrounding the future of Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has intensified ahead of the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting the club would consider selling the Brazilian if an offer of around €65 million arrives.
According to recent transfer reports, ARSENAL have set an approximate €65m valuation for Martinelli, with the forward now viewed as one of the players who could potentially leave the Emirates Stadium as the club evaluates its squad ahead of next season.
Martinelli has been part of the Arsenal setup since joining from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 for a relatively modest fee. Over the past several seasons he has developed into a key attacking option, contributing goals and assists across domestic and European competitions.
The Brazil international has made more than 260 appearances for the North London club, scoring over 60 goals during that time.
However, his role in the side has reportedly fluctuated during the current campaign under manager Mikel Arteta. Reports indicate that Martinelli has started only a limited number of league matches this season, leading to suggestions that Arsenal may be open to offers if they arrive at the right price.
Despite that, the winger has still produced notable performances in European competition, where he has continued to contribute goals and maintain his reputation as a dangerous attacking threat.
Several clubs across Europe are believed to be monitoring the situation. Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have both been linked with potential interest, while other sides could also emerge if Arsenal formally signal their willingness to negotiate.
The reported €65m price tag is thought to reflect both Martinelli’s age and his long-term contract, which currently runs until 2027 with an option for a further year.
ARSENAL are not believed to be actively pushing the player out of the club, but the possibility of a high-profile sale could form part of a broader strategy to reshape the squad and generate funds for further signings.
With the club continuing to compete at the top end of the Premier League and in Europe, the upcoming transfer window is expected to be an important one for Arteta’s long-term plans.
With several elite clubs watching closely and a clear valuation reportedly set, his future could become one of the key stories of the summer transfer market.
ODEGAARD CAN LEAVE FOR BIG FEE
Reports circulating in the football media suggest that Arsenal could be open to selling captain Martin Ødegaard this summer if an offer in the region of €100 million arrives, according to icfootballnews.
Ødegaard has been a central figure at ARSENAL since initially joining on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021 before completing a permanent move later that year. The Norwegian midfielder has since developed into one of the Premier League club’s most influential players, eventually being named club captain and playing a key role in Arsenal’s recent title challenges.
However, the latest transfer rumour suggests Arsenal’s hierarchy could consider a sale if a club is willing to meet a nine-figure valuation. According to the report, the club would only entertain offers close to €100 million, reflecting both Ødegaard’s importance to the team and the length of his current contract.
The playmaker has been widely praised for his creativity, leadership and consistency in midfield. Known for his vision, technical ability and pressing intensity, Ødegaard has become one of the standout performers in the Premier League over the past few seasons.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has repeatedly spoken about the midfielder’s importance to his project in north London. Since taking over in 2019, Arteta has built his side around a technically gifted and tactically disciplined core, with Ødegaard often acting as the creative hub of the team’s attacking play.
There is currently no indication from the club that they are actively seeking to sell their captain, and the rumour should be viewed cautiously. Arsenal are still competing at the highest level domestically and in Europe, and losing such an influential player would represent a major decision ahead of the next campaign.
Nevertheless, speculation surrounding high-profile players often intensifies as the summer transfer window approaches. Clubs across Europe are expected to make significant moves in the market, particularly for elite midfielders capable of dictating games at the highest level.
Any club considering a move for Ødegaard would likely need to commit a substantial financial package, not only meeting *ARSENAL*’s reported €100 million valuation but also offering a competitive contract to lure the Norwegian away from the Emirates Stadium.
For now, the situation remains firmly in the realm of transfer speculation. Whether serious interest materialises could become clearer as the summer window draws closer and clubs finalise their recruitment plans.
HINCAPIE DEAL FINALIZED.
Arsenal have finalised a deal that will see Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie remain at the club on a permanent basis, Fabrizio Romano has reported in the media this week.
The Ecuadorian centre-back has impressed since arriving in north London, earning praise from manager Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff, and the club looks poised to make him a long-term fixture of their back line this summer.
Hincapié joined ARSENAL on a season-long loan on 1 September 2025, with the deal structured to include an option to buy for around €52 million (approx. £45 million) — a clause Arsenal are now understood to be preparing to activate.
Since returning from an early groin injury, he has established himself as a key component of the defence and filled in effectively both centrally and at left-back, demonstrating the versatility that Arteta covets.
Sources close to the club say the coaching staff are “very happy with him”, highlighting his growth since joining and his adaptability across defensive positions. Arsenal’s hierarchy are reportedly aligned with Arteta’s desire to keep Hincapié and have finalized the deal, according to Romano.
Hincapié, who turned 24 this year, arrived from Leverkusen where he had been a standout performer in the Bundesliga and in European competition. The defender’s ability to play at centre-back and full-back has offered Arteta tactical flexibility — especially valuable given injury issues elsewhere in the squad.
Opinion: Is This a Good Signing for Arsenal?
In a squad competing on multiple fronts, the ability to slot seamlessly into centre-back or left-back gives Arteta more tactical options without needing to recruit another specialist.
At 24, Hincapié blends peak physical potential with solid experience from both the Bundesliga and international football with Ecuador. And In the current market for quality defenders, £45 million represents reasonable value for a player already integrated into the Premier League and accustomed to Arsenal’s style.
Hincapié’s blend of defensive robustness and adaptability arguably fills a unique niche within the squad, and activating the buy clause appears a sensible piece of business if ARSENAL are serious about sustaining both domestic and European ambitions.
MESSAGSE SENT TO TONALI
Former Italy international Giuseppe Rossi has claimed that Sandro Tonali “deserves to play for a big team,” sparking fresh discussion about the Newcastle United midfielder’s long-term future amid reported interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United
Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in a £55 million deal in 2023, has re-established himself as a key figure at St James’ Park following a difficult first season in England. The Italian international has impressed with his composure in midfield, tactical intelligence and ability to dictate the tempo of games under manager Eddie Howe.
Speaking in a recent interview, Rossi suggested that Tonali’s qualities could see him eventually move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs, speaking in association with BetVictor Online Casino – told GOAL: “He deserves it. He’s been a great player for Newcastle. He was great at Milan, great for Newcastle.
“He’s a leader out there. He provides a lot of quality, but also quantity. So, these are rare players in our game today. So, he deserves to play for a big team for sure. The price tags today in football are crazy. So, you’re definitely going to be paying top dollar for a player like him.”
Rossi stopped short of suggesting Tonali should leave Newcastle immediately, but his comments have inevitably fuelled speculation linking the midfielder with a number of Premier League heavyweights.
Reports have indicated that ARSENAL, Manchester United, and Chelsea are all monitoring Tonali’s situation. Each club is believed to be assessing midfield reinforcements ahead of upcoming transfer windows.
ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta has been keen to add depth and technical quality to his midfield as the club continues its push for major trophies. Tonali’s ball-winning ability and passing range could fit well within the Gunners’ possession-focused system.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have been evaluating options to strengthen the centre of the park as part of a broader squad rebuild. Chelsea are also expected to remain active in the market despite their already significant investment in midfield talent in recent seasons.
For now, Newcastle remain under no pressure to sell. Tonali is contracted long-term and is viewed internally as a central piece of the club’s ambitious project under their Saudi-backed ownership.
Since returning to regular action, Tonali has become increasingly influential in Newcastle’s midfield structure, contributing defensively while also helping to launch attacks from deep positions.
Whether the Magpies would consider offers for the Italian remains unclear. However, with rival clubs continuing to monitor his progress and high-profile figures like Rossi praising his ability, speculation surrounding Tonali’s future is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
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