Arsenal sent fresh Rodrygo transfer motive because of Bukayo Saka

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Arsenal fans are dreaming of starting the 2025/26 season with Bukayo Saka and Rodrygo as Mikel Arteta’s wide players.

After the 2025 summer transfer window got off to a fast start with regard to the activity of Premier League clubs, the Gunners’ top targets became clearer. 

Rodrygo is one of the names on Arsenal’s wishlist, as Andrea Berta looks for reinforcements to bolster Arteta’s attacking options. 

The Real Madrid winger has shown remarkable quality since making the move from Santos to the Bernabeu in 2019, with another move possibly on the cards for the Brazilian.

• READ MORE: Every Arsenal contract expiry date and players set for 2026 summer exit

Bukayo Saka’s market value has dropped

It’s understood that Rodrygo wants to speak to Xabi Alonso before making a decision on his transfer availability this summer. 

Arsenal are tracking the 24-year-old’s movement and might have a greater incentive to do so given one interesting development. 

As CIES Football Observatory released their list of the top 100 highest estimated transfer values, it was revealed that Rodrygo has leapfrogged Saka’s estimated market value. 

Saka’s market value in 2023 was £168.4m, but 2025’s measurement showed a drop in his value to £97m.

The Arsenal winger sat two places above Rodrygo in the 2023 ranking, but the tables have turned, with the latter now sitting two places ahead of the Hale End product.

Rodrygo’s value is believed to be in the region of £101.5m, making him the 11th-most valuable player in the world.

The reasons for Saka’s drop in value mustn’t concern Arsenal fans, as it’s likely due to his contract expiring in two years.

Rodrygo leapfrogging Saka, however, is poignant, particularly with regard to the Gunners’ interest in the Brazil international.

Arsenal must match Saka’s quality with Rodrygo signing 

The 2024/25 season sent Arteta a lot of messages about his squad, one of which was the imbalance between the right and the left flanks. 

Saka provides a lot of Arsenal’s threat, which, while being positive, opens the door to how much more impactful the front line could be if the Englishman’s danger were reflected on the left. 

In terms of market value, Rodrygo is considered more of a valuable asset than Saka, reinforcing the calibre of player Berta could recruit to strengthen the left side.

Having a player who is as dangerous and direct as Saka, as well as a top striker, could give Arteta the tools to deliver silverware to his project. 

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to make a move for Rodrygo, but already, it’s clear just how much of a difference the Brazilian could make.