Arsenal are genuine contenders to sign Real Madrid forward Rodrygo this summer, talkSPORT understands.
The Gunners are set to return to the market for a new winger in hope of finally winning the Premier League title next season.
Mikel Arteta’s side need strengthening after their third consecutive season of missing out on the crown, this time to Liverpool.
With Rodrygo thought to be unsettled at the Bernabeu, playing second-fiddle to Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, sources have told talkSPORT that a move to Arsenal is a possibility this summer.
talkSPORT’s Alex Crook was joined by ESPN Spanish correspondent Sam Marsden on Friday.
“I got a message earlier this week saying keep an eye on Arsenal and Rodrygo,” Crook said.
“Is there a suggestion in Spain that they might cash in on him this summer?”
Marsden responded: “Yeah, more than a suggestion. I think that Real Madrid have to make a big decision this summer.
“Rodrygo seems to be the one that’s being pushed towards the door, I think one of Rodrygo or potentially even Vinicius Jr has to go.
“Because you’ve got [Kylian] Mbappe, you’ve got Vinicius Jr, they all want that same space. I don’t know how much of a say Xabi Alonso will have in things.
“Rodrygo has made it clear he wants to play on the left, he’s been playing on the right at Real Madrid so he’s the most obvious one to go.
“But Vinicius Jr might be a bigger money-spinner, and may actually fix their problems a little bit more because they’ve kind of got that status problem between Vinicius Jr, Mbappe, [Jude] Bellingham in the shadows as well.
“Maybe Xabi Alonso can make it work, but it’s not worked at all this season.”
Rodrygo has won three LaLiga and two Champions League titles with Madrid since signing in 2019, scoring 68 goals and assisting 50.
Although he has played much of his career on the right wing, the 24-year-old is also able to play on the opposite side.
The 24-year-old, who has earned 33 caps with Brazil, has a contract at the Bernabeu that runs until 2028.
Madrid’s asking price is not yet known, but it could take a big-money move for them to sell this summer.
Arsenal appear to already have one signing over the line ahead of the transfer window as Martin Zubimendi is set to join.
talkSPORT understands that the Real Sociedad midfielder has agreed terms on a long-term deal at the Gunners.
Zubimendi has a release clause of £50million and has told Sociedad of his intention to move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are also favourites to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has 52 goals in all competitions this season.
Gunners legend Gilberto Silva joined talkSPORT to discuss the upcoming transfer window at his former club.
“I think one of the toughest things nowadays to find who is going to be the striker to fit the system,” the Brazilian said.
“Because it’s not about just finding a good player. You know how it is. According to what managers think, what style they want to play, you have to find which strikers fit, which midfielder, which winger, whatever.
“I think this is a hard job to do. But obviously when they decide to go for this guy… I think on this player’s mind he has to have in mind that, listen, those guys are better than me, I need to just make sure I deliver.
“Because the expectation on the other side is massive on me. And support the guy. Because this is a team effort at the end of the day.”
