Andrea Berta must react to what is happening to one of Arsenal’s transfer targets overseas.
The 2025/26 season is underway, but there’s still lots of work to be done in the summer transfer window.
Berta is currently working on sales, attempting to get the best possible deal for the anticipated exits of Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson.
After Arsenal’s opening day win over Manchester United, it became clear that departures can’t be the sole focus of the remainder of the window, with additional support in attack desperately needed.
Rodrygo absent from Real Madrid’s La Liga opener
Arsenal’s wingers were poor against United, with fans wanting Berta to set his sights on a new left-sided player to usurp Gabriel Martinelli.
Having signed six players this summer, but only two attackers, it’s clear what Arsenal need to do before the window shuts, and Berta might just have the perfect opportunity to deliver.
Throughout the summer, Arsenal have shown interest in Rodrygo of Real Madrid, who, before the 2024/25 season ended, looked to be a firm part of Los Blancos’ best XI.
Things have taken a dramatic turn, however, as Xabi Alonso doesn’t favour Rodrygo, as seen at the Club World Cup and now, in La Liga.
In Real Madrid’s opener against Osasuna, Rodrygo was an unused substitute, with 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia and even Dani Ceballos coming on ahead of him.
Spanish outlet AS shared video footage of the moment Garcia was subbed on ahead of Rodrygo, with the Brazilian seen to be gracious, but disappointed with the snub.
It’s clearer than ever that the winger isn’t in Alonso’s plans, which, while being bad news for the player, is a sign for Arsenal to strike now.
Arsenal must approach Real Madrid for Rodrygo
At first, Real Madrid wanted a fee close to €100m (£86m) for the Brazil international, but the price has since dropped.
It’s even been reported that Rodrygo could go for as little as £51m this summer, as Los Blancos realise there’s a market opportunity to offload the forward.
Given what Arsenal desperately need: a left-wing upgrade with world-class quality to replace Martinelli, the situation unfolding in Madrid must turn Berta’s head.
All eyes will be on if the Gunners choose to make a move, with a glaring opportunity there to be exploited.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Rosie Tudball