Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been handed a boost in his push to recruit Rodrygo as the Real Madrid star has given indications that he is keen to complete a big-money move to the Emirates Stadium before the summer transfer window slams shut on September 1, according to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel on Latte Firm.
Speaking on Latte Firm, Mokbel has claimed that Rodrygo has made it clear that he would be open to embarking on a fresh challenge at Arsenal after representatives of the north Londoners held discussions with members of his entourage. But the Gunners could be forced to part with close to £80million in order to reach an agreement. The BBC journalist said:
“In terms of Rodrygo, Arsenal are very interested in him.
“I think they’ve spoken to the relevant parties connected to the player to see whether he’d be up for it. I think they’ve got positive feedback, as I understand it, that he would certainly give it serious consideration.
“But, being absolutely frank, what I’m hearing is that the finances attached to that deal, not necessarily just the fee, but the fee will be hefty.
“I think you’re looking in excess of £70million, probably closer to £80million, to get that deal done. He is one of European football’s elite players, so he will be commanding a big, big wage.
“Arsenal can do it, but I think they need to be creative in how they can accomplish that deal and also make sure that they’ve got money coming in to ensure that the books are balanced because, as we’ve already spoken about, they really had a significant spend.”
It comes after GMS sources recently revealed that representatives from Arsenal have been in contact with members of Rodrygo’s entourage since the Club World Cup in an attempt to gauge whether he is interested in walking away from Real Madrid in favour of a first opportunity to test himself in the Premier League.