Real Madrid ‘agree’ Arsenal swap deal after Eze is told Gunners move is ‘not good for him’…

Real Madrid has reportedly reached an agreement to swap Brazilian winger Rodrygo for Arsenal centre-back William Saliba this summer.

Arsenal has already secured six new signings this summer, including Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, and Viktor Gyokeres, all of whom have moved to the Emirates Stadium.

However, the Gunners are seemingly not finished, as there are rumors suggesting they may seek a left-sided forward and an additional centre-back.

Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace has been prominently mentioned in connection with the attacking role, but Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is also on their list of targets.

Gabriel Magalhaes was somewhat evasive last month when questioned about the possibility of Rodrygo joining Arsenal, though he did acknowledge that his Brazilian teammate is a “phenomenon.”

When asked about Rodrygo’s potential move to Arsenal this summer, Gabriel responded: “I don’t know.

“But I’d like obviously. He’s a phenomenon.

“I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon! If it was up to me, of course!”

Now, according to the Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid has ‘agreed’ to a swap deal that would see Rodrygo exchange places with Arsenal defender Saliba.

It is believed that Real Madrid is ‘very clear about the possibility of an exchange between Rodrygo and Saliba,’ with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez ‘not ruling anything out.’

Selling Rodrygo ‘would facilitate the arrival of the long-awaited centre-back,’ with Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate ‘in pole position, but [Xabi Alonso] has not ruled out’ Saliba.

The report further states: ‘The real target has always been the Arsenal defender, but his high price tag, along with the expiration of the Reds’ contract in June 2026, has shifted all the focus onto the Liverpool player.’

Nevertheless, Real Madrid is reportedly open to trading Rodrygo Goes for William Saliba, as the Brazilian is deemed surplus to requirements, particularly highlighted during the Club World Cup, while the Frenchman is viewed as a generational talent for the position.

Former Everton chairman Keith Wyness believes that Arsenal will likely wait until the transfer window closes to finalize a deal for Rodrygo.

Wyness commented to Football Insider last month: “I believe that if this transfer is going to happen, it will be at the very end of the window.

“Real Madrid is currently asking for an excessive amount for him. I think they are looking for €100m (£85m). Although he is only 24, that price seems too high to me considering his performance last season.

If it does go through, it will likely be at the end of the window if Real Madrid agrees to a more reasonable price.

“In my view, I don’t think it will happen. I believe Arsenal is exploring other options; they are bringing in different players. While they prefer to sign players early, this Rodrygo deal would be too costly to complete quickly.”

Meanwhile, former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has advised Crystal Palace’s Eze against a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Silvestre stated to Hajper: “Eberechi Eze to Arsenal? Honestly, I don’t think it would be beneficial for him, as there is significant competition and he enjoys a lot of freedom at Crystal Palace.

Moving to Arsenal could be challenging due to the competition for spots. However, I have a high regard for him.

“From his early days, he has been outstanding. It’s unfortunate that he has suffered several muscle injuries and missed parts of the season. But whenever he is fit and available, he is an exceptional player.