Arsenal have been linked with a move for a Real Madrid striker.Arsenal have been linked with a move for a Real Madrid striker.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for a Real Madrid striker. | AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has already heaped praise on a striker now linked with a transfer to north London.
Andrea Berta has already been told by Arsenal star Mikel Merino why he should make a transfer swoop for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
The former Atletico Madrid chief is now Gunners technical director and is tasked with improving the squad this summer ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Arsenal are in need of added firepower having struggled without the injured Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz this term. Premier League winners Liverpool have scored 18 more goals than Mikel Arteta’s men this season.
Several players have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Sporting CP bagsman Viktor Gyokeres appears to be the most likely candidate to lead the line with Arsenal reported to have agreed terms with the striker, who has a release clause in his deal at the Portuguese outfit.
Arsenal linked with move for Real Madrid striker
However, another target has emerged in Real Madrid star Rodrygo. The 24-year-old has scored 13 goals this season, including five in the Champions League, and can play across the front three.
Taking to social media platform X on Wednesday, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg wrote: “BREAKING | Understand Arsenal are now seriously considering a transfer for #Rodrygo! Talks have begun behind the scenes. The 24-year-old is a potential departure candidate at Real Madrid. It’s difficult but Arsenal are currently exploring all options for a possible transfer. Deal on.”
Those transfer rumours will be music to the ears of some Arsenal first team stars and none more so than Mikel Merino. Ahead of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this year, the player was asked which Galacticos opponent he would like to play with.
Mikel Merino: ‘Rodrygo is complete player’
Merino replied: “It's hard to pick one, but I'd probably say Rodrygo. I'm not saying he's underrated, but he's a player I really like: fast, physical, technical, he has great one-on-one skills, he's good in space. Very complete."
Rodrygo, who is still just 24 years old despite having made 267 Real Madrid appearances, has won La Liga three times and the Champions League twice. A serial winner, he’d arrive at Arsenal with the experience of lifting trophies.
The forward has earned praise from his Real Madrid teammates too. England international Jude Bellingham heaped praise on his colleague after Real Madrid beat Manchester City 3-1 in the Champions League this season. He said: “Mbappé had a difficult start to the season and now Kylian and Vini's speed is terrifying for any defence. Rodrygo is SO underrated. For me, he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad. Some of the things he does with the ball, I’m like ‘How?’, I would twist my ankles if I tried to do that."
In other news, Arsenal 'deal sealed' as Mikel Arteta considers activating Premier League release clause.
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