Arsenal’s move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo could take a bit of time, as the Gunners will be made to wait to discover the outcome of his future.
The Brazilian winger is poised for a potential exit from the Bernabeu this summer, though plenty depends on the future Xabi Alonso has mapped out for him.
That could offer an opportunity to Arsenal, as Andrea Berta looks for solutions to the side’s lack of goals scored last season.
Rodrygo’s potential move to Arsenal could be one that raises the bar for the squad, though there is now a new concern.
Rodrygo set to make Arsenal wait until August for transfer decision
While Rodrygo is a player of interest to Arsenal, there are some question marks surrounding whether he will join.
Real Madrid’s asking price will be a factor, as the Gunners work out whether it’s a deal they can afford.
Rodrygo’s wage demands fit in the Arsenal wage structure, if recent reports are to be believed, but there could be another issue.
According to Cadena SER, the 24-year-old won’t leave Real Madrid, if he does at all, until August.
That could be a problem for Arsenal’s pre-season arrangements, given the fact that Rodrygo may not get a full camp to train in before the season starts.
Arsenal’s first Premier League game is on August 17, against Manchester United, by which point they may finally have their answer on the winger’s future.
However, given his involvement in the Club World Cup and then question marks over how much time off he will get, there could be a real clash with his preparations for the campaign ahead.
Given the potential money spent and the quick start to the season, it leaves Arsenal in an awkward position.
Andrea Berta faces a crunch point with Rodrygo transfer decision
With Rodrygo set to move late in the market, Berta is left with a difficult decision to make on the star’s potential switch to Arsenal.
If the Gunners are made to wait and can’t get him in, then it will be too late to make such a quick switch in the market.
Equally, if he is available, Rodrygo could be the next player to raise the ceiling at the Emirates Stadium, taking their standards to the next level.
While it’s a potential crunch point, Berta is the perfect person to deal with it.
Much has been made of the sporting director and his ability to juggle several deals at once, before eventually deciding which target he wants.
In the case of the wide areas, and Rodrygo in particular, the ability to have plenty of deals lined up and ready to sign off on will only be an advantage.
It means Arsenal won’t miss out on anyone; they will simply have to choose which is their preferred option.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
