Arsenal remain interested in signing Rodrygo this summer, despite the Brazilian’s involvement in the Club World Cup for Real Madrid.
The Gunners are looking to add additional offensive firepower to their wide areas and have identified Rodrygo as one of their primary targets.
Nico Williams is now expected to join Barcelona, meaning Andrea Berta will divert more of his attention to completing a deal for the Real Madrid winger.
Mikel Arteta is said to be convinced of Rodrygo’s talent, and given the paucity of other top-quality options on the market, it would be no surprise to see Arsenal go all out to secure the 24-year-old’s services.
Starting Real Madrid’s opening Club World Cup fixture on the right wing, Rodrygo is understood to be open to leaving the Bernabeu as he wants to play in his preferred position, on the left.
However, the talented wide forward is focused on the summer tournament and is looking to gauge where he stands in Xabi Alonso’s plans before making a definitive decision on his future.
Arsenal fans will be delighted by reports suggesting that Alonso doesn’t see Rodrygo in his default starting eleven, and this could certainly prompt his departure.
That said, AS reports that the player’s wage demands could present a stumbling block in the prospective deal.
The Brazil international currently earns €12 million (£10.3 million) a year in the Spanish capital, according to Capology.
The Spanish publication believes Rodrygo would expect to earn a similar amount at the Emirates, and this would make him one of the highest earners in Arsenal’s squad.
AS claim that these wage demands would be an issue for Arsenal, citing the Gunners’ failed pursuit of Williams as evidence for this.
It was heavily reported that the North Londoners were put off by Williams’ wage demands, with the player reportedly asking for an excessive amount based on what he’s been able to produce thus far in his career.
However, Arsenal Insider revealed earlier this week that wages were never the issue for Arsenal with Williams, but rather that the player always had his eyes set on a move to Barcelona.
With Rodrygo’s salary expectations likely to be in a similar ballpark to the Athletic Club man, this shouldn’t be a problem for the Gunners.
While the fee being mooted for the Real Madrid star is higher than Williams’ £50 million release clause, Rodrygo is arguably a player with a greater pedigree and Arsenal would likely be willing to fork out a significant sum to lure one of the most talented wingers in world football to N5.
The North Londoners are eager to seriously bolster their attack this summer, and are aware that they may have to spend big money to do so.
