Arsenal appear to have expanded their search for a new winger after failing to prise Rodrygo from Real Madrid. The 24-year-old winger was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium earlier this summer, with Mikel Arteta eager to bolster his frontline.
Rodrygo, who sees his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expire in June 2028, 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 towards the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure, he played second fiddle to Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
Rodrygo faced an uncertain future in the Spanish capital until Xabi Alonso was appointed head coach. Upon the Spaniard’s unveiling as the new manager of Real Madrid, he ruled out the Arsenal target’s departure.
“He’s a Madrid player and I will have a conversation with everyone because we need to do so,” said Alonso. “We’ll get to know each other. He’s a spectacular player and we need him.”
The Gunners appear to have since expanded their search for a new wide player. According to TBR Football, Arsenal have been closely monitoring Anthony Elanga, who has been valued at £60m by Nottingham Forest.
The report claims the 23-year-old winger, who joined the East Midlands outfit from Manchester United for just £15m in July 2023, has also attracted interest from Newcastle, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. TBR Football add that Elanga is happy at the City Ground, and Forest have no plans to sell.
In an interview with Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen during the international break this month, the former United ace was quick to brush off any talk of an exit. Elanga said: “There’s a lot of talk.
“I’m focusing on what I can do, and my focus today was on the game. In football, there are always rumours. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.”
Elanga, who sees his contract expire in June 2028, featured 38 times in the Premier League this season, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists. Playing a key role in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, the Sweden international helped Forest finish in seventh place.
Speaking to reporters following a 1-0 win over United, Nuno heaped praise on Elanga, who found the net against his former club. The Portuguese tactician said: “He’s a special boy and he gives this team his speed. He does it by himself and we are delighted.”
As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not Arsenal launch a bid for Elanga, but Arteta knows exactly what he wants this summer. Ahead of the Gunners’ clash against Southampton last month, he urged Andrea Berta to ‘add goals and creativity’ to his squad.
“We cannot rely just on the numbers we had before,” said the Arsenal boss. “We have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions.”
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