Andrea Berta is now aware that one of Arsenal’s heavily-linked summer transfer targets is available for purchase.
Berta made a statement in his first transfer window as Arsenal’s sporting director, signing eight new players to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s options.
While Arsenal’s new signings have impressed so far, the Gunners are still short on the left side, with that flank being one point of discussion heading into the January window.
In the summer, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo was heavily linked to Arsenal; however, the player’s preference was to remain at the Bernabeu.
Four months down the line, things have changed, as now, the Brazilian is free to leave the club.
Real Madrid are open to selling Arsenal target Rodrygo
That’s according to The Athletic, who have reported that Real Madrid will consider offers for the winger in January.
Since Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo in the summer, it’s become apparent that the 24-year-old has ‘lost his untransferable status’.
The update comes as no surprise, as Rodrygo is clearly not trusted by Xabi Alonso, and hasn’t been since the Spaniard became manager of Los Blancos.
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Interestingly, the forward already has admirers in Arteta’s squad, with Mikel Merino being a huge fan of Rodrygo, describing him as ‘exquisite’ when Arsenal clashed with Real Madrid last season.
While the latest update could be considered a boost for the Gunners after what happened in the summer, Berta might actually be feeling the opposite.
Arsenal must avoid Rodrygo despite summer interest
Though sources close to Arsenal Insider understand that Rodrygo is back on Arsenal’s radar ahead of the winter market, a potential move could prove to be a mistake.
It’s been almost nine months since Rodrygo last scored for Real Madrid, with his last competitive goal coming back in March against Atletico Madrid.
| Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| 15 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
Arsenal are the team to beat in Europe, not a team on the rise, so making a move for a player who is both out of form and not wanted by a rival could represent a backwards step.
Given how much pressure is already on the Gunners to get their next left-sided recruit right, a swoop for the out-of-favour Brazilian makes little sense.
There’s no denying the quality that Rodrygo possesses, but Real Madrid haven’t seen it for some time, which will surely alter Arsenal’s view of a potential move.
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