Arteta ‘willing’ to ‘swap’ £27m Arsenal star for Real Madrid’s ‘most gifted player’…

Mikel Arteta is reportedly open to trading Arsenal’s £27 million star William Saliba for Real Madrid’s highly regarded player Rodrygo.

According to reports from Spain, Arsenal is prepared to send Saliba to Madrid in return for Rodrygo, as Arteta contemplates a significant decision.

Both players are among the elite in the football world and are anticipated to be featured in transfer rumors this summer.

Real Madrid is interested in acquiring the Arsenal defender, while Arsenal holds a strong interest in the Brazilian forward.

Reports suggest that Rodrygo is somewhat dissatisfied at Madrid due to limited playing time on the left flank, primarily because of the presence of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Arteta, who admires Rodrygo, is willing to make a substantial move to facilitate this transfer.

Defensa Central indicates that Arsenal is ‘prepared to allow Saliba to depart’ if it means securing Rodrygo, who has been praised by teammate Jude Bellingham as ‘the most talented and gifted player’ at Madrid.

The Spanish outlet has disclosed that ‘Arsenal is keen on Rodrygo, and Arteta has even contemplated a swap involving Saliba, aware that Real Madrid is interested in him.’

This news may surprise Arsenal supporters, as the club has consistently stated they would not part with the French international center-back.

Arsenal is currently negotiating with the £27 million defender to extend his contract, which is set to expire in the summer of 2027.

The 24-year-old has flourished as a center-back under Arteta’s guidance and is now a key player when fit.

Saliba has netted two goals in 34 Premier League appearances and has also played 11 times in the Champions League for Arsenal this season.

Perez has made it clear that he will not entertain such a proposal.

The Madrid chief believes Rodrygo’s worth is greater and is also aware that he could secure Saliba for free in two years or at a reduced price next summer if a new contract is not signed.

While it is not entirely impossible for Rodrygo to depart from the Santiago Bernabeu at the season’s end, Madrid is keen on retaining him.

Los Blancos reportedly think Rodrygo possesses the potential to become the best player in the world, although they have observed his inconsistency.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy praised him in January 2025 as ‘a match winner’ who ‘can beat people’ and is ‘quick.’

This season, Rodrygo has netted 13 goals and provided 10 assists in 50 matches for Madrid.

The Brazilian forward has already claimed three LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey, and two Champions League trophies during his time with Madrid.

According to reports, Arsenal has narrowed down their striker targets to just two.

It has been suggested that Arsenal’s Sporting Director Andrea Berta may reconsider one of the strikers they have been actively pursuing.

1. Additionally, a pundit has indicated that Arsenal is not an attractive option for a top player from Madrid.