‘Rodrygo to Arsenal given green light as major exit details emerge’
Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Madrid winger Rodrygo has seemingly been given the green light as a key player will make way for the Brazilian’s arrival.
Rodrygo has been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners since the beginning of the transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad.
The North London club have narrowly missed out on the Premier League title in the past three seasons, and Arteta is desperate to get his hand on major honours.
Squad depth is also key for Arsenal after stars like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus missed months of the last campaign out injured.
Bayern interested in Martinelli transfer
Christian Falk has reported that German giants Bayern Munich are discussing a transfer for Gabriel Martinelli.
The 24-year-old scored 10 goals and registered six assists in all competitions last season.
Bayern, managed by former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, are keen on another winger after allowing Leroy Sane to join Turkish club Galatasaray at the end of his contract and Martinelli’s pace and direct style would be similar to that of Sane.
Forward Thomas Muller is also leaving the club, so Kompany needs attacking reinforcements.
Any deal which allows Martinelli to leave the club could signal Rodrygo’s arrival.
Arteta may need to show ruthlessness again
Rodrygo is also 24, but has already made 132 appearances and scored 32 goals for Real Madrid and earned 33 Brazilian caps, 15 more than Martinelli.
Able to contribute and score 14 goals last season alongside Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and with the adventurous Jude Bellingham behind, Rodrygo has proved his worth.
Martinelli has yet to rediscover his best form since he scored 15 goals during the 2022/23 season, so a fresh start for the winger at Bayern could be what he needs.
| Season | Goals |
| 2019/20 | 3 |
| 2020/21 | 2 |
| 2021/22 | 6 |
| 2022/23 | 15 |
| 2023/24 | 6 |
| 2024/25 | 8 |
Ideally Arteta would like both wingers in his squad next season, as the Gunners face a tough start to the campaign with trips to Manchester United and Liverpool in their first three games.
As a two time Champions League winner, Rodrygo understands how to win the crunch matches and biggest trophies, which is something Arsenal need in their squad.
Whilst Martinelli typically sticks to the left flank, Rodrygo is comfortable playing anywhere across the front three, which could be a useful asset for Arteta.
A striker though is also on Arsenal’s wish list with either Sesko or Gyokeres likely to be arriving this window.
Selling a player like Martinelli may then be required for Arteta to bolster his squad and upgrade his starting XI.
Signing both Rodrygo and either Sesko and Gyokeres would mean any goalscoring issues at the Emirates would be promptly sorted.