Arsenal-linked attacker Rodrygo appears to be carrying on as normal with Real Madrid despite speculation mounting over his future. Reports suggest that the Gunners could launch a bid for the 24-year-old winger following speculation that figures in North London are admirers of the Brazilian.
The first window of opportunity to sign players in the transfer market closed at 7pm on Wednesday with the Gunners failing to get any deals across the line during the short period. It will reopen again on Monday (June 16) and it is likely that a host of Premier League clubs will be ready to get their deals for the forthcoming campaign signed off.
A host of names are being mooted with a move to the Emirates Stadium with Mikel Arteta looking to take Arsenal to the next step following their near misses in previous seasons.
One of them is Rodrygo, who has found himself as one of the names emerging from the rumour mill after finding gametime limited at the La Liga giants.
The 24-year-old faces competition from the likes of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz.
Despite the ongoing speculation surrounding his future, Rodrygo has stepped up preparations for the upcoming Club World Cup, which kicks off against Al-Hilal on June 18.
In a post on Instagram, he wrote: "Feliz [grinning face with smiling eyes, white heart and football emoji]." The message translates to 'happy' in English.
Recently, The Athletic reported that Arsenal are particularly interested in signing the Brazilian, with Arteta's coaching staff said to be 'huge fans'.
It has been said that tabs are being kept with approaches being made through intermediaries at a number of Premier League clubs.
However, football.london understands a deal would present a 'financial challenge'.
During the summer, there have been changes at the Bernabeu which will see Xabi Alonso in the dugout as Real Madrid boss for the first time since succeeding Carlo Ancelotti.
But The Athletic says Rodrygo's agent, who is also his father, does not want to enter negotiations before they sit down with the Spaniard.
"I wouldn’t like to name a player, but the biggest thing is that, and using the word pride, we have brought the club into a position, into a place that next season you have to win a major trophy," Arteta said previously discussing Rodrygo.
"That means that everybody believes that we have the level, that we have shown the consistency and we are an elite team in this country and in Europe and if you don't do that, then what is going to happen?
"For me that is the biggest statement, that Arsenal is there..."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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