Arsenal receive transfer green light for ‘statement’ signing as Mikel Arteta sent message

Arsenal have been told that signing Real Madrid star Rodrygo would be a “real statement” but only if a striker also arrives in this summer’s transfer window.

The Gunners are expected to be busy ahead of the 20225/26 season with multiple incomings and exits likely to be sanctioned. Bringing in a striker is a clear priority for sporting director Andrea Berta with it appearing as though Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is the club’s preferred signing.

Reports in Portugal have claimed that a first offer from Arsenal has already been submitted while Gyokeres has also agreed on personal terms. With the summer trading period not open for another few weeks, alongside Arsenal and Sporting still needing to finish their seasons, it is likely focus will be there for now.

However, it will very soon switch onto preparations for the next campaign and having gone so close in several competitions, Mikel Arteta will be keen to strengthen his squad and finally win a trophy with the team he has built.

The first addition to that looks to have already been made with an agreement in principle struck for Martin Zubimendi to join from Real Sociedad.

Alongside the Spaniard and the desire to bring in a striker, football.london understands that signing a defender, back-up goalkeeper and wide forward are also aims. On the latter, Athletic Club star Nico Williams is Arteta’s No.1 option, but that could be a difficult deal to complete.

With that being said, a new option has emerged in the form of Rodrygo with the Brazil international said to be considering an exit. Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has since offered his verdict on Rodryo potentially joining Arsenal.

“He is is a wide player – they need a number nine, but if you sign him and a number nine, that’s a real statement,” he told Football Insider.

“What it would cost you to get Rodrygo, and would he want to go to Arsenal, is two different things. The need for a number nine is pressing.

“[Bukayo] Saka will play on the right-hand side, Rodrygo can play on the left – if you have those two as a wide pairing, that’s one hell of a pairing to fit in behind a world-class number nine.”

Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are Arteta’s current two options off the left but neither have completely nailed down the position with Robinson also claiming a departure will be sealed.

“With Martinelli and Trossard, neither of those two have hit the heights regularly, performance-wise, that you would expect from the likes of Saka,’ he added.

“So to upgrade on that side, yes, that’s an option for Arsenal. Raheem Sterling, his loan’s not going to be made permanent, that’s not going to happen. He’ll be looking for pastures new at the start of next season.”

Exactly how much Rodrygo will cost is unclear but he could be the elite signing that Arsenal need to reach that next level.