Mikel Merino has already told Mikel Arteta exactly why Arsenal must sign Rodrygo, ‘he’s a player I really like…’

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Arsenal are tracking the movements of Real Madrid winger Rodrygo ahead of the summer transfer window.

In what has been a campaign derailed by Arsenal’s abysmal injury record, Mikel Arteta will be desperate to bolster the depth of his squad this summer. 

With Andrea Berta on board as sporting director, the Gunners have a boost regarding what the club aim to get done in preparation for 2025/26. 

Arsenal are working to agree a deal with Viktor Gyokeres to strengthen in the striker department, but that’s not the only attacking role that needs attention. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal are refusing to ‘rule out’ re-signing £68m player who they released for free many years ago

Mikel Merino wants Rodrygo to complete Arsenal transfer

Signing at least one high-class winger is necessary over the summer break, with Nico Williams being a player admired by Arteta. 

The Euro 2024 winner isn’t the only wide man from La Liga being eyed, as it’s been reported that Arsenal have enquired about Rodrygo’s transfer plans.

Amid his struggles at the Santiago Bernabeu, it’s understood that Rodrygo is open to leaving Real Madrid, a scenario that very much plays into Arsenal’s advantage. 

Fans would be overjoyed to see a winger of the 24-year-old’s calibre make the move to the Emirates, and supporters wouldn’t be the only ones, as one member of Arteta’s squad has a ‘soft spot’ for the Brazilian.

Ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Real Madrid in April, Mikel Merino told Spanish publication AS of his admiration for Rodrygo. 

Merino was asked by AS which Real Madrid player he would choose to have at Arsenal, to which he lauded the ‘very complete’ skillset of Rodrygo.

“I said I had a soft spot for Rodrygo, because of what he is as a player. Very complete, technically exquisite.

“He has every possible resource in his game: he plays inside, outside, goes into space… He’s a player I really like.”

Merino gave Arteta the reasons why Arsenal should be pushing to sign the Brazil international in the summer, a transfer scenario that is one to watch.

How Rodrygo compares to Gabriel Martinelli

Links to Rodrygo come at an interesting time as another below-par campaign for Gabriel Martinelli nears its close.

While the left-winger has shown glimpses of resurgence in recent weeks, the Brazilian hasn’t got close to the 15-goal tally he recorded in 2022/23.

Despite the 23-year-old’s hot-and-cold form, it’s understood that Arteta has big plans for Martinelli, but that doesn’t exempt the forward from needing competition.

Rodrygo could represent just that, being the left-footed wide player that Arsenal need to get Martinelli ticking consistently.

The pair have had similarly frustrating seasons, but could encourage each other to raise the bar, with both capable of producing moments of magic.

The summer looks as though it could represent change for Rodrygo, whose future in Madrid is growing in uncertainty.