Arsenal are in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer.
Arsenal will sign a new striker in this transfer window, but it’s not just a new number nine that’s on the agenda for the Gunners.
Indeed, Arsenal are also looking at wingers.
Nico Williams has been linked to Arsenal, while Rafael Leao is on the Gunners’ radar too.
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been linked to Arsenal too, and according to Ben Jacobs, speaking on the Salim Gooner YouTube channel, the winger is a concrete target for Arsenal, and if he does go to the Emirates, he wants to change his position and play on the left wing.
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Rodrygo wants to play on the left wing
According to Jacobs, Rodrygo wants to change his position and play down the left flank going forwards.
The journalist says the Brazilian wants to change position and play down the left – a luxury he hasn’t been afforded at Real Madrid due to the presence of Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe.
“Yeah, the interest in Rodrygo is real. He’s a market opportunity, a bit like Nico Williams,” Jacobs said.
“Rodrygo, the opportunity there is the fact that Real are prepared to sell, there may be some Saudi interest in Rodrygo as well. You have a fee starting at the €90m (£76m) mark, so that presents a challenge.
“The main appeal of Rodrygo is right now he’s stuck playing on the right at Real Madrid, because they have Vini Jr and Mbappe.
“Rodrygo wants to play on the left, and he can’t play on the left, so the player is thinking where can I go to play on the left, and he’s interested in the Premier League.
“If Arsenal choose to put their budget and their efforts on Rodrygo, they may be one of the stronger suitors, and they might end up being the frontrunner from the Premier League.”
Rodrygo stats on the left wing
Rodrygo plays most of his football down the right side, but he has had a few outings on the left over the years.
Indeed, Rodrygo has played no fewer than 78 games as a left-sided forward, and his stats in those appearances make for interesting reading.
Rodrygo on the left wing Rodrygo on the right wing
78 Games 145
23 Goals 34
16 Assists 30
Rodrygo actually performs better off the left, he has a better goals per game record in that position, while he assists at roughly the same rate.
Arsenal would be wise to use Rodrygo down the left flank if he signed this summer. After all, Bukayo Saka is the de facto first choice down the right, while Gabriel Martinelli has been criticised at times this season for his performances.
Rodrygo could be the left-wing option Arsenal are looking for.