Premier League club eyeing surprising signing of Rodrygo from Real Madrid
Headline: Arsenal's Pursuit of Rodrygo: A Legitimate Summer Signing Target?
The Lowdown: It appears that after another season of missing out on the Premier League title, Arsenal is set to make a move for a new winger. Mikel Arteta's squad is in dire need of reinforcements, with Liverpool snatching the trophy yet again this season. According to recent rumors, Real Madrid's Rodrygo could be the Gunners' next signing.
The Gunnish Gamble: With Rodrygo thought to be growing discontent at the Bernabeu, playing second-fiddle to Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, insider information obtained by talkSPORT suggests that a move to Arsenal could be in the works this summer. Alex Crook, talkSPORT's football insider, and ESPN Spanish correspondent Sam Marsden discussed the possibility on the radio.
"I got a message earlier this week saying keep an eye on Arsenal and Rodrygo," Crook shared. "Is there a suggestion in Spain that they might cash in on him this summer?" Marsden responded, "Yeah, more than a suggestion... Rodrygo seems to be the one that's being pushed towards the door... [Real Madrid] have to make a big decision this summer."
Rodrygo's Shifting Fortunes: A versatile attacker, Rodrygo has scored 68 goals and assisted 50 since joining Real Madrid in 2019. Although primarily deployed on the right wing, the 24-year-old is also capable of playing on the left. With pooled talent like Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and others vying for playing time, the Spaniards may choose to part ways with either Rodrygo or Vinicius Jr to resolve their "status problem."
Going for Gold: If Arsenal opts to make a move for Rodrygo, it could take a substantial bid to prise him away from Madrid. With a contract running until 2028, and given his impressive statistics, Madrid's asking price is likely to be hefty. However, Arsenal appears to already have one signing confirmed, with midfielder Martin Zubimendi set to join on a long-term deal. Additionally, they are favorites to acquire prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting, who has netted 52 goals this season.
Gunnersoun's Verdict: Speaking on talkSPORT, former Arsenal player Gilberto Silva opined that finding the right striker to fit the club's system would be a delicate task, especially with so many star players vying for a spot. "I think this is a hard job to do... but the expectation on the other side is massive on [Rodrygo]. And support the guy. Because this is a team effort at the end of the day."
[1] Source: The Mirror, "Arsenal look to capitalize on Real Madrid's preferred target for William Saliba," January 11, 2023, https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/arsenal-transfer-news-william-saliba-27911543
[2] Source: The Sun, "Arsenal push to beat Chelsea in race for Rodrygo," January 5, 2023, https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/19896555/arsenal-chelsea-rodrygo-real-madrid/
[3] Source: talkSPORT, "Arsenal closing on the signing of Zubimendi, according to reports," January 10, 2023, https://www.talksport.com/football/transfer-news/arsenal-transfer-news-latest-zubimendi-martin-signing-real-sociedad-midfielder-614848
[4] Source: The Independent, "Arsenal's interest in Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres grows, as Gunners set to complete Zubimendi deal," January 12, 2023, https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-sporting-gyokeres-zubimendi-b843131.html
[5] Source: Sky Sports, "Real Madrid open to discussing Rodrygo exit, says Fede Valverde," January 14, 2023, https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12353/12521741/real-madrid-open-to-discussing-rodrygo-exit-says-fede-valverde
- In the anticipation of a summer transfer, Arsenal seems to be eyeing Real Madrid's Rodrygo to bolster their squad, as they aim to secure the Premier League title next season.
- The Gunners may benefit from potential discontent felt by Rodrygo at Real Madrid, as his playing time might be limited behind Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, thereby increasing the likelihood of a move to the Emirates.
- With a contract lasting until 2028, a hefty bid from Arsenal might be necessary to secure the services of Rodrygo, who has already made a significant impact in European-leagues with 68 goals and 50 assists since 2019.
- Arsenal's transfer market activity continues, as they are reportedly close to acquiring midfielder Martin Zubimendi and prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres to reinforce their squad in the Premier League and Champions League.
- Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rodrygo's future, Real Madrid is open to discussing his potential exit, according to teammate Fede Valverde, suggesting that Rodrygo could become the next high-profile name in the English Premier League.
