Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are currently having to chase Champions League glory without the leader of their defence, Gabriel Magalhaes.
Gabriel injured his hamstring in a 2-1 win over Fulham at the beginning of April and after undergoing surgery, the Brazilian won’t play again until next season.
Jakub Kiwior has been excellent for Arsenal on more than one occasion when covering for Gabriel, but Arteta is still missing his leader in chief.
That being said, Gabriel might still be able to help Arsenal’s cause over the coming months when it comes to the club’s transfer plans.
New sporting director Andrea Berta has arrived with real purpose at the Emirates Stadium and the Italian seems hellbent on improving Arsenal’s attacking options
Gabriel could be key to Arsenal signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid
In addition to signing a world-class striker, Berta has also identified the need to recruit a top level right-footed winger.
Berta seems to have decided that one of either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli needs to make way for a fresh addition to raise the level of options available to Arteta.
And that’s where Gabriel can come in.
Arsenal are interested in Rodrygo Goes at Real Madrid, a player they hugely admire alongside Arda Guler.
READ MORE: Andrea Berta needs to sell £30m Arsenal star as soon as the season ends
And given that Gabriel often plays with Rodrygo for Brazil and will be fully aware of the winger’s talent, he should be doing everything he can to push through a move.
William Saliba reportedly wants to wait to see how Arsenal approach the summer transfer window before vetoing a move to Real Madrid — and Gabriel should have similar standards.
Gabriel should be demanding Arteta to pursue a move for Rodrygo who could be a transformative signing for the Gunners.
Rodrygo is the perfect Nico Williams alternative
By all accounts, Arsenal want to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao first and foremost, one of the most exciting wingers in Europe.
However, it’s less than certain that Williams would be willing to swap Spain for England this summer.
On the contrary, Rodrygo could be ready to leave Real Madrid after joining the side for £38m in 2018.
The Brazilian is predominantly a right-winger, a position already occupied by Bukayo Saka at Arsenal.
But the 24-year-old is able to excel on the left or playing centrally too, explaining why he would still be an excellent pick up by Berta.
It’s not too often that player of Rodrygo’s talent is potentially available and as his international teammate, Gabriel, should be urging Arsenal to push for a move.
