Arsenal are still looking to make one more final signing this summer, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo remaining a target for Andrea Berta.
The Gunners have already officially announced the additions of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, with three more expected to be made public in the coming days.
Noni Madueke is on the verge of a £52 million switch from Chelsea, while Cristhian Mosquera is set to undergo a medical at the Sobha Realty Training Ground ahead of his move from Valencia.
Viktor Gyokeres is expected to sign from Sporting for £63 million, and Berta is still eager to add a left-sided attacker to Mikel Arteta’s ranks after these six additions.
Rodrygo has been linked with Arsenal for some time, and the next week or so is expected to be crucial in determining the Brazilian’s future.
Real Madrid to hold talks with Rodrygo in the next few days
Arsenal may need to sell a player to facilitate a move for Rodrygo or Eberechi Eze.
One of Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli would have to leave to make room for one of these aforementioned two to arrive in North London.
Trossard has been linked with Bayern Munich, as well as Fenerbahce, while Martinelli has interest from Saudi Pro-League clubs.
Eze has emerged as the more likely acquisition in recent weeks, but Rodrygo remains a genuine option on the market and a viable choice for the Gunners, valued at around £75 million by Real Madrid.
Speaking on the Market Madness podcast, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Spanish giants’ hierarchy and Rodrygo will hold direct talks in the coming days over the player’s future.
Los Blancos will allow the 24-year-old to decide ‘whatever he wants’.
“I see many stories, but at the moment, I can guarantee that no one has reached out to Real Madrid yet,” Romano said.
“So there is still no negotiation, no direct talks. And also with the player’s side, they know, of course, about the interest of Premier League clubs.
“But at the moment, they still want to have a discussion with Real Madrid first. And the first round of discussions will be this week. From what I’m hearing, it is not going to be the only one.
“For Rodrygo to leave Real Madrid is still not going to be something easy. He really likes Real Madrid, and so to be in this position is not something easy for the player, also for his family. It’s really difficult for him to say goodbye to Real Madrid.
“But the position is quite clear after five consecutive times on the bench at the Club World Cup, this is probably showing the direction. So talks will take place in the next days between Rodrygo and Real Madrid. From what I’m hearing, Real Madrid will let him decide whatever he wants.”
Arsenal should sign Eberechi Eze instead of Rodrygo
With the signing of Madueke, Arsenal need an out-and-out winger less than they did.
The former Chelsea star has been bought for a significant fee, and isn’t likely to be limited to operating purely as a back-up to Bukayo Saka, and will also feature on the left-hand side.
Thus, signing a player who can operate more centrally at times and cover in either of the eight positions, as well as out wide, makes more sense.
Arsenal are planning on moving for Eze, and the Crystal Palace man perfectly fits this profile.
| Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (League Only) | ||
| Stat | Eze | Rodrygo |
| Appearances | 34 | 30 |
| Goals | 8 | 6 |
| Assists | 8 | 5 |
| Shots per 90 | 3.48 | 2.52 |
| Expected Goals per 90 | 0.36 | 0.19 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 2.01 | 2.29 |
| Expected Assists per 90 | 0.22 | 0.14 |
| Successful Take-ons per 90 | 2.33 | 2.29 |
Capable of playing as an eight against low blocks, whilst also an effective winger from the left, Eze would be cheaper than Rodrygo and offers more of the positional flexibility that the North Londoners need.
The 27-year-old is also a more effective dribbler than his Brazilian counterpart, and gets more shots off; two attributes that Arsenal could do with more of in their squad.
It’s a no-brainer for the recruitment department.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Alfie Cairns Culshaw