Arsenal now hold talks to sign €90m South American star - Ben Jacobs
Arsenal hold a genuine interest in recruiting the services of Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo this summer and they held exploratory talks with his representatives last month, according to journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs.
The Gunners want to bolster their attack and have all but lost the race for Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams to Barcelona.
Rodrygo remains an option as his future at the La Liga club is not certain despite a change in managers, with Xabi Alonso replacing Carlo Ancelotti, but Madrid want around €90 million (£77m) for him, which could dissuade Arsenal.
The North London club want a new number 9 and cannot afford to spend a large chunk of their transfer budget on a winger.
Rodrygo can play as a striker but is primarily a left winger, and while he could prove to be an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, the Gunners are unlikely to be willing to meet the demands of Madrid.
The 24-year-old South American ended last term with 14 goals and ten goals in 51 appearances having notched 17 goals and nine assists in 2023-24, and signing him will help improve Arsenal in attack.
He is one of the most exciting attackers on the planet, and his flair and talents will light up the Emirates Stadium supporters should the club manage to sign.
However, Madrid will need to lower their asking price if they want to sell Rodrygo, and the Gunners will keep monitoring the situation in the coming weeks as they look to strengthen their options in the final third.
Manager Mikel Arteta wants quality squad depth in all positions next term after missing out on the Premier League title for the third straight season, and sporting director Andrea Berta is looking to make much-needed recruitment this summer.
Arsenal have yet to make any signing so far and will be hoping to hit the ground running after the transfer window reopened yesterday for its second phase.
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