Sources in Spain are reporting that Real Madrid are plotting a swap with Arsenal which would see the Gunners sign winger Rodrygo.
If this is true, it could be huge for Arsenal, as Rodrygo has been described as one of their dream targets this summer; A player who could propel them into another level of Premier League title contention under Mikel Arteta.
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The Gunners want to add another attacker before the end of the window, and Rodrygo is one of their targets, alongside Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze, who has a £68m release clause in his contract at Selhurst Park.
Rodrygo has also attracted interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool, and Tottenham this summer, with reports suggesting that Real Madrid aren’t happy with the player, and so he could be in line for a move away from the Bernabeu this summer.
Real Madrid plot Rodrygo and Saliba swap
According to fresh reports in Spain, Arsenal do have a route in which they can land Rodrygo this summer, although they would have to give up one of their most prized possessions.
GiveMeSport quoted a report by Defensa Central which said that Real Madrid are planning to offer Arsenal a swap deal, which would see the Gunners sign Rodrygo. However, in exchange they would have to send centre-back William Saliba.
Saliba is one of the best stoppers in the Premier League, and certainly a player that Arsenal don’t want to sell. Madrid have held a longstanding interest in Saliba, and it has previously said that they would have to bid well over £100m to sign him.
But if the reports are true, there could be another way, and such way would see Arsenal land their dream winger target. It could certainly be a tempting offer.
Can Arsenal afford to lose Saliba?
Many would say however that it isn’t worth it due to the impact that Saliba has for Arteta’s side, and their title hopes this coming season.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown spoke very highly of the Frenchman earlier in the season, suggesting his support for Arsenal keeping the 24-year-old, and that they gradually built up around the defender.
Keown told talkSPORT: “Well firstly, you don’t normally go on loan for three years when you arrive at a top level club. He could’ve been forgiven for thinking maybe he wasn’t a part of the future at Arsenal. But instead, the future has been built around him, he’s that good.
“Gabriel is doing equally as well around him, so it’s about partnerships. But he’s a Rolls Royce in the way he plays.”
Saliba has helped Arsenal to have the best defence in the Premier League for two consecutive seasons under Mikel Arteta.