Arsenal are considering many options to bolster Mikel Arteta’s attack in the summer transfer window.
After Arsenal ended another season without silverware and watched Liverpool comfortably claim the Premier League title, greater emphasis is on the summer market.
Pressure is already mounting on Arteta to deliver a successful transfer window alongside sporting director Andrea Berta, as several targets are being sounded out.
It’s understood that Arsenal are admirers of Rodrygo of Real Madrid, as the winger’s future with Los Blancos remains unclear.
Thierry Henry and Jude Bellingham are in awe of Arsenal target Rodrygo
Arsenal have started talks with Rodrygo over a possible summer transfer, aiming to capitalise on reports of the Brazilian being unsettled at the Bernabeu.
Signing a left-winger in the summer is seen as something just as important as welcoming a striker, as competition within the Arsenal squad is desperately needed.
Arteta is understood to be a fan of Rodrygo, who made the move to Real Madrid from Santos back in 2019.
Since then, the Brazil international has racked up 118 goal contributions in 267 appearances for the European giants, but is far from being a protagonist.
This season, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry commented on how underrated Rodrygo is, asking his teammate Jude Bellingham why ‘nobody talks’ about the 24-year-old.
“Please, can you talk about Rodrygo, because this guy, nobody talks about him, his work rate and his skill, what he does for the team, how is it to play with [him]?” Henry asked Bellingham during CBS Sports’ coverage of Real Madrid vs Manchester City.
What Bellingham responded with will be music to Arsenal fans’ ears, as the England international dubbed Rodrygo as Real Madrid’s best in one area.
“Rodrygo, so underrated. For me, he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad, I think the things he can do with a football. We’ll be messing around, and he’ll flick the ball up somehow, and we’ll think, how do you do that?
“It’s a pleasure to play with them, you put them in positions where they affect the games, and they can win it for you.”
Bellingham credited Rodrygo for having the talent and magic that can win games, something that Arsenal have been lacking tremendously over the 2024/25 campaign.
Rodrygo could come alive in his best position
Both Henry and Bellingham shone a light on Rodrygo’s world-class quality, taking the time to sing the Brazilian’s praises at a time when he’s in the shadows of Real Madrid’s poster boys.
After responding to Henry’s initial question suggesting that his teammate was underrated, the England midfielder went on to applaud the 24-year-old’s selflessness.
“I think Rodrygo, another thing to mention, is that he is the one who sacrifices the most, it’s clear that his favourite position is the left.
“I think it’s important to note that he does a lot for the team as well, defensively on the right side, it’s not his favourite, but he gets on with it, and that’s the way we have to continue.”
| Position | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Games to goal % |
| Right wing | 29 | 7 | 4 | 24% |
| Left wing | 12 | 6 | 6 | 50% |
It’s quite remarkable the level of performance that Rodrygo has been playing at away from his favoured position, but it only adds to the reason why the player could find sanctuary at Arsenal.
Gabriel Martinelli’s form has been questioned this season, with competition desperately needed to raise the standard in the front line.
Rodrygo could certainly be that figure, even more so given that Arteta could offer him the chance to shine in his favoured role.
There are few more qualified to talk about impressive attackers than Henry, who has given his former club the green light to further explore Rodrygo.
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