Arsenal have long been linked with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, with reports suggesting they’ve held initial talks on the player side dating all the way back to May.
Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg backed up their discussions for the Brazilian too, amid sporting director Andrea Berta’s previous search for a winger, before they ultimately signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea.
However, Madueke’s arrival may not actually signal the end of Arsenal’s pursuit after all.
|
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports) |
Money on new signings |
|---|---|
|
19/20 – winter |
£0 |
|
20/21 – summer |
£81.5m |
|
20/21 – winter |
£900k |
|
21/22 – summer |
£156.8m |
|
21/22 – winter |
£1.8m |
|
22/23 – summer |
£121.5m |
|
22/23 – winter |
£59m |
|
23/24 – summer |
£208m |
|
23/24 – winter |
£0 |
|
24/25 – summer |
£101.5m |
|
24/25 – winter |
£0 |
|
25/26 – summer |
£208m |
While Arsenal are currently targeting Eberechi Eze, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs recently stated that Mikel Arteta’s side still have their eyes on Rodrygo alongside other forward targets like Rafael Leao and Anthony Gordon (talkSPORT), but it would require one of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard leaving.
They may also face stiff competition for the 24-year-old, who’s reportedly yet to commit to the Bernabeu for next season.
This week, north London rivals Tottenham have been repeatedly linked with an audacious swoop for Rodrygo, while Liverpool reportedly remain contenders as well.
It’s a situation definitely worth monitoring from now until deadline day on September 1, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that the winger will decide his future imminently after barely featuring for Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup.
The former Santos star is a wanted man elsewhere, but according to a new report, he isn’t the only Real star who’s popular in the Premier League.
Now, according to Defensa Central, a £65 million proposal for £210,000-per-week Real midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has arrived from England via an intermediary.
Whilst not explicitly confirming Berta is responsible, Defensa theorise that this is most likely to have come from Arsenal, with the Premier League side apparently informing Real that they’re prepared to pay big.
However, Los Blancos immediately slammed the door shut, rejecting this approach with a blunt “we’re not interested, thank you.”
Real’s sporting directors made it crystal clear that Tchouaméni is untouchable this summer, with Alonso viewing the France international as a cornerstone for the upcoming season.
Tchouameni started every game under the Spaniard during their Club World Cup campaign, and he’ll likely be indispensable at Valdebebas once again next season, with Madrid insiders insisting no amount of money can pry him away.
The player himself has also made no secret of his desire to stay in Madrid long-term, so Arsenal’s work appears well and truly cut out for them here.
Tchouameni cost around £85 million to sign from Monaco in 2022, including add-ons, so if Real were to somehow pull a U-turn, it would likely take a fee north of this amount for them to even consider negotiating.
