As Arsenal prepare for their crucial match against Liverpool on Sunday, manager Mikel Arteta is facing a selection dilemma, with injuries to key players Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu threatening to undermine the team’s chances of success.
The good news is that the club is reportedly on the lookout for new signings to bolster their squad, with a potential move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo being touted. The Brazil forward is said to be attracting interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool, with the Gunners eager to make a bid for the 23-year-old’s signature.
According to sources, Rodrygo’s salary of £200,000 per week could be a significant obstacle for Arsenal, but the club is willing to invest in the right players to improve their chances of success. The Gunners have been linked with a number of other targets, including Atalanta’s Isak Hien and Real Madrid’s Arda Guler, with the latter being described as the “perfect” signing by Arteta himself.
The situation is reminiscent of the club’s pursuit of Nicolas Pepe, who joined Arsenal from Lille in 2017 for a then-club record fee. However, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to secure the services of Rodrygo, who is believed to be valued at around £136 million.
The relationship between Arsenal and Real Madrid has become increasingly close in recent years, with a number of players making the switch from the Spanish giants to the Premier League club. However, the mere mention of Rodrygo’s name has sent shockwaves through the transfer market, with fans holding their breath as the January window approaches.
As the match against Liverpool looms, Arteta will be looking to his squad to deliver a winning performance, but the absence of Calafiori and Tomiyasu could prove to be a significant setback. The duo’s injuries have left the manager with a selection dilemma, with the likes of Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares looking to step up and fill the void.
With the season reaching its business end, Arsenal will be desperate for a boost to their bid for a top-four finish, and the news of a potential Rodrygo signing could be just the ticket. The 23-year-old’s pace, power, and skill on the wing could be the missing piece of the jigsaw for a side that has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to consistently deliver. As the transfer window approaches, only time will tell if Arsenal will be able to secure the services of the Real Madrid forward and bolster their chances of a successful season.