Arsenal legend Ray Parlour does not expect the Gunners to pay over the odds to sign Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo during the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are working together to bring a new wide man to the club ahead of next season, and Rodrygo is said to be under serious consideration.
However, Arsenal's pursuit of the Brazil international has ostensibly not progressed beyond an initial interest, supposedly due to the 24-year-old's extortionate wage packet, and there are 'worries' that he may not want to join the club.
The Gunners would also have to stump up a significant fee for Rodrygo, although journalist Charles Watts has implored Arsenal to pay over the odds if a player of his calibre becomes available.
Parlour cannot see such a scenario coming to fruition, though, telling Sports Mole: "The new sporting director and Mikel will have a list of targets and if a new player like Rodrygo becomes available, they may have to pivot, but Arsenal aren't likely to go above their wage limit or transfer fee valuation for any player.
Rodrygo 'makes decision' on Real Madrid future as Parlour makes transfer claim
Real Madrid's Rodrygo on December 22, 2024© Imago
"The recruitment is that important, Mikel will know if the player is joining to win and can fit into the squad so these conversations are vitally important as you must have a player who fits into the squad."
Spanish outlet Marca claims that Rodrygo has now informed Real Madrid of his intention to stay at the club this summer, but it is now up to the 24-year-old to impress enough to keep his place.
Los Blancos were left unimpressed with Rodrygo's displays in the second half of the 2024-25 season, and they have demanded a positive reaction from the winger during the Club World Cup.
If the former Santos starlet fails to impress in the summer tournament, Real Madrid could be receptive to offers later on in the window, but they are yet to receive an official proposal from an interested club.
Rodrygo registered 13 goals and 10 assists from 50 appearances in a Real Madrid kit during the 2024-25 campaign, and the South American is under contract with Los Blancos for another three years.
What Rodrygo alternatives can Arsenal target?
AC Milan's Rafael Leao on October 29, 2024© Imago
If Rodrygo flatters to deceive during the Club World Cup, all eyes will be on what happens for the remainder of the window, but Arsenal cannot concern themselves with hypotheticals.
Instead, the Gunners must prioritise pursuing players who show a serious interest in joining the club, and Berta is not short of high-profile wingers on his summer wishlist.
The Italian has apparently made direct contact with AC Milan to assess the feasibility of a deal for Rafael Leao, but his £147m release clause will be a major stumbling block.
Alternatives include Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens and Brighton & Hove Albion's Kaoru Mitoma, as Arsenal seek competition for Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Both attackers' futures have been called into question of late, but new deals are thought to be in the pipeline for the Belgian and Brazilian, whose terms expire in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
Ray Parlour was speaking to Sports Mole on behalf of NetBet Online Casino.
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