Arsenal take ‘official first step’ to sign Real Madrid star for £51m after Arteta ‘express request’…

Arsenal has taken the ‘official first step’ towards signing Real Madrid star Rodrygo for £65 million following Arteta’s ‘express request’.

The club is making a significant decision regarding Rodrygo’s transfer, with plans for a ‘substantial sale’ in the works.

Rodrygo has been identified as the winger Arsenal aims to acquire to enhance their attacking options, but a report from Spain has highlighted a key obstacle they must navigate, which could result in a current player departing.

In addition to seeking a striker to bolster their center-forward lineup, Arsenal believes they can also strengthen their wing play. Consequently, they have been linked with a bold move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo in recent weeks. Nevertheless, he is not the only candidate under consideration.

Arsenal also holds an interest in Nico Williams from Athletic Club, but the likelihood of him joining Barcelona has shifted their focus back to Rodrygo.

According to AS, whose headline reads ‘Arsenal are pursuing Rodrygo’, this transfer would rank among their largest ever, complicated by several factors that could create a ripple effect even if they manage to address these challenges.

The primary concern for Arsenal mentioned in the report pertains to Rodrygo’s salary. Williams’ financial expectations were also a deterrent for the Gunners, and Rodrygo’s earnings exceed the average salary of Arsenal’s current squad.

Real Madrid compensates Rodrygo with €240,385 weekly, translating to approximately £206,000 per week, which is higher than all but four players in the Arsenal squad (Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, and Declan Rice).

Arsenal must consider how Rodrygo’s wages would impact the overall cost of the deal, with the transfer fee from Real Madrid expected to exceed €90 million (£77 million).

Indeed, AS reports that Arsenal is contemplating a ‘significant sale’ to maintain financial balance, putting two players Rodrygo would compete with at risk.

According to the report, neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard have fully impressed on the left wing for Arsenal. Their futures are now at pivotal points for various reasons.

Trossard is nearing the last year of his contract, prompting Arsenal to determine whether to extend his agreement – which may require a salary increase – or to sell him.

Conversely, Martinelli appears to be at an even greater risk of being transferred, as the report indicates that his ‘departure is considered at the Emirates, contingent on receiving a substantial offer for him.’

It remains uncertain what amount would be deemed a substantial offer, or which other club might be interested in making it.

Rodrygo: Reasons Arsenal is interested and his perspective.

While in Madrid, Rodrygo has had to operate in the shadow of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe to some degree, moving to the right wing as a result; he could become a key player for Arsenal.

A position on the left wing would be available for him, particularly if Martinelli were sold prior to his potential signing.

However, the report suggests that Mikel Arteta values Rodrygo specifically for his adaptability and capacity to play on either wing or as a centre-forward.

This does not imply that Rodrygo would automatically become Arsenal’s new striker acquisition, as they have also made strides towards securing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

Nonetheless, he would represent a significant new addition to Arsenal’s offensive lineup – if he is open to joining.

Indeed, the report emphasizes that his current priority is to assist Madrid at the Club World Cup.

He is under contract until 2028 and aims to demonstrate his worth to the new coach, Xabi Alonso.