Arsenal were linked with a move for Rodrygo in the summer as the forward slipped down the Real Madrid pecking order and ex-star Gilberto Silva wants them to reignite that plan in January
Rodrygo was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer
Rodrygo was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer
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Ex-Arsenal star Gilberto Silva wants to see his former club reignite their interest in Rodrygo, but could be put off over fears he could struggle for regular minutes.
Xabi Alonso arrived as the new man at the helm at Real Madrid and, during the Club World Cup, it immediately became evident that Rodrygo had fallen down the pecking order. Arsenal were among those most heavily linked with the winger.
This was before they landed the likes of Eberechi Eze, but Rodygo has shown himself to be an elite level performer, winning the Champions League on several occasions with Real. Arsenal are not short of firepower but Gilberto still sees him as an ideal addition.
Rodrygo is yet to find the net this season, albeit he has only started twice in La Liga, but has hit double figures in each of the last three years. He would likely cost in the region of £70million but Gilberto insists adding him would be shrewd business.
He told talkSPORT: "I know him and we’ve met a couple of times, but I don’t know his situation with Arsenal. At the beginning of the season, I thought it would be fantastic to have Rodrygo at the club.
"It is clear he will not have much of an opportunity to play under Xabi Alonso at Madrid, but he’s a great player with real talent, which is a waste if he is on the bench – but obviously there is big competition at Arsenal as well. He’s got the ability to perform not only from the left side but in other positions across the forward line as well.
"Should Arsenal go in for him? Why not. If he’s not happy and there is an opportunity to increase the strength of the squad, then we can try and get him."
The Brazilian has found himself largely starting games from the bench
The Brazilian has found himself largely starting games from the bench
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Arsenal already have a wealth of depth in the final third. Eze, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are among those who can play from the wing. Mikel Arteta has made use of all of them at periods this season.
The Gunners have enjoyed a sensational start and sit top of the Premier League whilst they've won all of the Champions League matches without conceding a goal.
Gilberto admits the timing of Rodrygo's move could put him off with Arsenal having such depth - meaning he isn't guaranteed a starting role like he would've been in years gone by. "The only question is, where would he fit?" he added. "Maybe a few years ago, it would have been much easier to find a good player to fit that Arsenal squad."
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