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Arsenal are believed to still be pursuing Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, despite recently adding Eberechi Eze to their ranks alongside fellow attacking stars Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres this summer.
The north Londoners also agreed a new deal with Leandro Trossard, which includes a pay rise, so the Belgian won’t be going anywhere this summer with two years remaining on the contract (BBC).
Eze, while viewed as a central playmaker to fill the void left by Kai Havertz’s injury, can also play on the left-wing when required, so it would seem that Arteta has more than enough options on that side with Gabriel Martinelli too.
On the right, Arsenal also have Madueke and star man Bukayo Saka, so any move for Rodrygo at this very late stage of the window would be both a surprise and a real statement of intent from Andrea Berta.
Rodrygo in action for Real Madrid.
Berta has been linked with a move for the Brazil international all summer, holding exploratory talks as far back as May, and that interest apparently remains.
The 24-year-old, who scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions last season, was left out of Brazil’s latest international squad by Carlo Ancelotti – which has cast further doubt on his future.
“Did I tell Rodrygo and Neymar why they aren’t called up? No,” said Ancelotti.
“They perfectly know the idea of the national team, they have to play the matches and be in good physical condition.
“I don’t need to explain this. If they want explanations, they can call me. Rodrygo has my number.”
While Rodrygo started Los Blancos’ latest La Liga win over Real Oviedo, he was benched for their opening weekend win over Osasuna, and Xabi Alonso’s hesitancy to start the winger regularly appears to be having consequences.
What Real Madrid have told Rodrygo’s agents with Arsenal deal on
As per journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, intermediaries are working on a potential Arsenal or Man City deal for Rodrygo behind-the-scenes.
What’s more, Real have sent a clear message to Rodrygo and his reps – that he’s free to leave before the deadline on September 1.
“I am told that Rodrygo has been edging towards England and this decision from Ancelotti has been seriously noted by Arsenal, Man City and the intermediaries working on this deal,” said Bailey.
“This is a World Cup year and Real have already told his camp that they won’t stand in his way if the right offer comes in.”
However, when it comes to the ‘right offer’, this still may be too high for Arsenal or City.
According to reliable media sources, the lowest bid Real could entertain for him as we approach deadline day is around £51.5 million, which is still a hefty sum considering Berta is also trying to sign Piero Hincapie to replace the potentially exit-bound Jakub Kiwior.
That being said, a player of Rodrygo’s quality and versatility would add even more dynamism to Arsenal’s attack, and amid serious competition from Liverpool, it could be something worth considering.
