Andrea Berta is in charge of Arsenal summer transfer business.Andrea Berta is in charge of Arsenal summer transfer business.
Andrea Berta is in charge of Arsenal summer transfer business. | AFP via Getty Images
Real Madrid star Rodrygo has been linked with a transfer to the Premier League this summer with Arsenal one of the clubs linked.
Arsenal are ahead of Liverpool in the transfer race for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo as Andrea Berta looks to inject new life into the Gunners’ attack this summer.
Adding goals to Mikel Arteta’s squad is the number one priority for the former Atletico Madrid man, who has arrived at the Emirates Stadium to take on the baton from Edu as sporting director.
Several candidates have been linked with a move to Arsenal, including Sporting CP bagsman Viktor Gyokeres. While an out-and-out striker remains top of the list, the Gunners could look to sign a new wide player once the window opens.
Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in Real Madrid transfer race
Real Madrid star Rodrygo has emerged as a potential target for Arsenal with reports of a £40 million swoop growing through May. Speaking about the forward, transfer specialist Ben Jacobs told the Highbury Squad YouTube channel:
Jacobs said: “As I broke six weeks ago, Rodrygo and Premier League clubs is one to watch. The three I was told was Liverpool – who are now not in the race, but they were aware of the opportunity, Arsenal and Chelsea. Chelsea don’t yet know what they want to do with their wide players, with Rodrygo, I think Chelsea are now less inclined to do that deal, but Arsenal are still exploring it.”
Mikel Merino hails Rodrygo has ‘complete’ player
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 transfer talk will have caught the attention 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.
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."
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 and Tottenham lose millions as Sunderland promoted to Premier League.
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