Real Madrid have reportedly slapped an €80m (£67.5m) price tag on Brazilian winger Rodrygo, as Arsenal look to strengthen their attacking lineup this summer following a request from manager Mikel Arteta. The 24-year-old, whose contract at the Santiago Bernabeu runs until June 2028, has caught the eye of the Gunners as they explore options to bolster their squad.
Rodrygo has appeared 30 times in La Liga this campaign, contributing six goals and six assists. However, he’s found it challenging to cement a regular starting position under Carlo Ancelotti’s stewardship, fuelling speculation about his future in Madrid. Reports from Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg suggest that Arsenal have initiated preliminary discussions with the Spanish giants for a potential summer swoop.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his role at Real Madrid, the negotiations promise to be complex, given the stiff price tag set by Los Blancos. Arsenal, however, have a clearer path now, as rivals Chelsea are reportedly not in pursuit, citing concerns over the wage demands which do not align with their current business model.
Spanish outlet Cadena SER, quoted by the Metro, reports that the final decision on Rodrygo’s future will be made by Xabi Alonso, who is tipped to succeed Ancelotti at the helm. With the footballing juggernaut preparing for their final fixture of the season before heading stateside for the FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid will soon shift focus to their managerial transition.
In the meantime, Arsenal’s strategy for the upcoming transfer window was candidly outlined by Arteta. Speaking ahead of their showdown with Southampton, the Spaniard emphasised the need for additional firepower following a spate of injuries among his forwards. “We cannot rely just on the numbers we had before. We have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions,” Arteta asserted.
Though Arteta refrained from singling out Rodrygo, his ambitions were clear: “If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market. The teams that win have the best players, always, at this level.”
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