‘Arsenal dealt Rodrygo blow with Real Madrid star’s transfer stance made clear’
Arsenal have been dealt a blow in the transfer market in their search for another forward to add to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Arteta has made it clear he wants to add depth to his attacking options this season to deal with any injury crises that may occur.
The Gunners’ title charge faded when injuries to Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz emerged, meaning Liverpool cruised to a second Premier League crown.
Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke have already signed to add to the attack, but Arteta still wants one more player to complete the set.
Brazilian star to fight for his place
Arsenal have been targeting Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who has a £68million release clause in his contract.
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has also been an option this summer, but now the Brazilian could stay put at the Bernabeu.
| Apperances | 54 |
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 11 |
According to COPE [6 August] in Spain, Rodrygo could now sign a new contract at Real Madrid, putting an end to any move to the Premier League.
The 24-year-old faces intense competition for places, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior among the stars Rodrygo has to fight for a place in the team against.
Rodrygo decision paves way for Eze deal
Football Insider Verdict
Arsenal have been left to focus on securing Eze after Rodrygo’s verdict to stay put at the Spanish giants.
Arteta is being left short of options with under a month left of the transfer window and the new Premier League season getting underway next weekend.
Eze in fact will play his first competitive fixture a week earlier in the Community Shield, as a Crystal Palace player.
Odegaard still does not have a natural replacement in the number 10 position should he face a spell on the sidelines again.
Eze’s creativity and flair are traits needed in the Arsenal side to take the pressure off Odegaard and Saka.
Gyokeres will only flourish in North London if he receives service, and the striker was left with no chances in his first outing for the club against Spurs in pre-season when Thomas Frank’s side deployed a defensive low block.
Some players are still to be sold which will boost Arteta’s budget further to add Eze to the squad, with the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior potentially departing.