Arsenal is believed to be still pursuing Real Madrid forward Rodrigo this summer, despite Ebeveti Eze adding ranks to the ranks alongside fellow attacking stars Noni Madueke and Victor Gyoker.
The North Londoners also agreed to a new deal with Leandro Trossard, including wage increases, so the Belgians didn’t go anywhere this summer.
Eze is considered a central playmaker to fill the gap left by Kai Herberts’ injury, but he can also play on the left field if necessary, so it appears that Arteta has plenty of options on that side of Gabriel Martinelli.
On the right, Arsenal also features Madueke and Starman Bukayosaka. So Rodrigo’s movement at this very late stage of the window is a surprise from Andrea Berta and a statement of actual intention.
Berta has been linked to the Brazilian International movement throughout the summer, holding exploratory consultations until May, and the interest remains clearly lingering.
The 24-year-old, who scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions last season, has been excluded from Brazil’s latest international team by Carlo Ancelotti.
“Why aren’t they called to Rodrigo and Neymar? No,” Ancelotti said.
“They know the ideas of the national team perfectly, they have to play games and get better.
“I don’t need to explain this. They can call me if they want an explanation. Rodrigo has my number.”
While Rodrigo won the real Oviedo in Los Blancos’ latest La Liga, he was benched for his weekend opening victory over Osasuna, and Zabi Alonso appears to have regular results.
What Real Madrid told Rodrigo’s agent in an Arsenal deal
Speaking to TBR Football, journalist Graeme Bailey said the intermediary is working on a behind-the-scenes Arsenal or Man City contract for Rodrigo.
Additionally, Real has sent a clear message to Rodrygo and his rep – he is free to leave before the September 1st deadline.
“It is said that Rodrigo is bordered towards the UK, and this decision from Ancelotti has been earning serious attention from Arsenal, Man City and the intermediaries working on the deal,” Bailey said.
“This is the year of the World Cup and Real has already told his camp that he doesn’t get in the way if the right offer comes.”
However, when it comes to “the right offer,” this could still be too expensive for Arsenal or the city.
According to reliable media sources, it is possible that he will enjoy the lowest bid when we are approaching deadline. This is still a huge sum, considering Berta is about to replace Jakubu Kiwior, who signed Piero Hincapie and potentially left.
That being said, the Rodrigo’s quality and versatility player may be worth considering in the midst of a serious competition with Liverpool, adding even more dynamism with Arsenal’s offense.