"He's a phenomenon": Gabriel Magalhaes has told Arsenal director to sign £77m star
Arsenal plan to make multiple signings to bolster the forward department this summer.
A marquee striker is the main priority for the club, but a versatile winger could be signed too.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, and he is convinced that he would be a superstar on the left wing.
Speaking recently on the Podpah podcast, Gabriel Magalhaes was asked whether Rodrygo will join the club. The Brazilian had no clue but added the 24-year-old is a phenomenon.
Magalhaes said he would personally sign his compatriot and has spoken to the director. He was most probably mentioning sporting director Andrea Berta.
He said: “I don’t. But I’d like obviously. He’s a phenomenon. I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon! If it was up to me, of course! I spoke to the director.”
Rodrygo would be a fabulous acquisition for Arsenal
The Santos graduate registered 14 goals and 10 assists from 51 appearances for Madrid last season.
He predominantly played from the right wing, but it is quite clear that he is at his creative best from the opposite flank.
Rodrygo managed 12 goal contributions from 12 appearances on the left wing for Los Blancos last term.
In comparison, he accumulated the same number (12 goal involvements) from 30 games from the right wing position.
The Brazilian would be an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, as he also possesses supreme ball control and distribution.
Rodrygo is not contemplating his future at the moment, but the arrival of Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono could have an effect.
Madrid manager Xabi Alonso wants Mastantuono as a guaranteed starter on the right wing ahead of Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler.
This could open up an opportunity for the Gunners to land the services of Rodrygo, as Vinicius Junior is an undisputed starter on the left wing at Madrid.
With the presence of three Brazil internationals in Magalhaes, Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus in the squad, the £77 million-rated star could be persuaded to join.
Ultimately, a transfer may depend on Rodrygo pushing for a new challenge. Madrid are unlikely to place him on the transfer market voluntarily.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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