Arsenal have been given a huge boost to their hopes of signing Rodrygo. The Real Madrid winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League recently after supposedly falling out of favour with Carlo Ancelotti.
Rodrygo, who sees his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expire in June 2028, has featured 30 times in La Liga this season, scoring six goals and providing six assists. The Brazil international was once a key player for Los Blancos, but now he struggles to keep his place in the starting lineup.
With Mikel Arteta eager to bolster his frontline this summer, Rodrygo has emerged as a potential target. According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are seriously considering a move for the Brazilian and talks have already got underway behind the scenes.
The report claims Rodrygo could leave the Spanish capital, but it’ll be a difficult deal to agree. It’s said that the Gunners are currently exploring every option to make a transfer possible.
Rodrygo has also been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. However, football.london understands that Chelsea are not interested in signing the Real Madrid star.
The Blues feel his wage would be too high, which does not currently fit their model. Rather than splash the cash on a winger, Maresca wants to sign a new striker.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the west Londoners’ clash against Manchester United last week, the Italian was asked whether the lack of competition has harmed Nicolas Jackson’s development. Maresca said: “I’m not able to answer now because I don’t know the other part, if a number 9 was here.
“For sure, with us, in my personal opinion, he has grown and improved a lot. Now, if another number nine was here is it better for him? I don’t know.”
When asked whether he wanted someone to provide Jackson competition going forward, Maresca said: “100 per cent.”
Maresca insisted that the shortage on firepower at Chelsea is not purely down to poor planning. The Blues boss said: “It’s also been bad luck because, the West Ham game [in February] if you remember, unfortunately Marc Guiu is still out from then and Nico was out for more than two months, [injured] in the same game.
“This is a little bit of bad luck,” Maresca added. With Chelsea not in the race for Rodrygo’s signature, Arsenal have been given a tremendous boost to their chances to wrapping up a deal.
At the weekend, Arteta fired a clear message ahead of the transfer window. Speaking to Sky Sports at the Emirates Stadium following the 1-0 win over Newcastle United, the Gunners boss was asked how significant this summer will be.
“Finish the season, go to the beach, enjoy a few days and make sure the ones upstairs – they do what they have to do,” said Arteta. Then, a few moments later in a separate interview, Declan Rice added: “Hopefully we strengthen… will probably lose a few [players]…”
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