Arsenal told signing Real Madrid star and ‘world-class’ striker would be ‘real statement’

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson says Arsenal would be making a ‘real statement’ if they managed to sign Rodrygo plus a ‘world-class’ centre-forward this summer.

Arsenal are preparing to splash the cash when the transfer window opens for business having once again fallen short in their quest for silverware this term.

While a series of injuries to key players have hampered Arsenal, many fans and pundits alike have attributed the club’s disappointing end to the season to the club’s failure to capture a proven No.9.

Newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta is determined to put that right and has been working with Mikel Arteta on a shortlist of possible targets, which includes Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig’s Benjmain Sesko and Ipswich’s Liam Delap.

The Gunners are also eager to fix other perceived frailties within the squad, with central midfielder Martin Zubimendi expected to join from Real Sociedad. Strengthening at centre-back, left-back and on the left wing are other priorities at the Emirates.

Recent reports emanating out of Spain claimed Arsenal had made an approach over a proposed bid for Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo, whose future is said to be ‘up in the air’.

‘He is is a wide player – they need a number nine, but if you sign him and a number nine, that’s a real statement,’ the ex-Tottenham and England shot-stopper Robinson told Football Insider of Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo.

‘What it would cost you to get Rodrygo, and would he want to go to Arsenal, is two different things.

‘The need for a number nine is pressing.

‘[Bukayo] Saka will play on the right-hand side, Rodrygo can play on the left – if you have those two as a wide pairing, that’s one hell of a pairing to fit in behind a world-class number nine.’

According to Robinson, Arteta is not able to completely rely on either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard and finding an ‘upgrade’ on the left flank could certainly be an ‘option’.

‘With Martinelli and Trossard, neither of those two have hit the heights regularly, performance-wise, that you would expect from the likes of Saka,’ he added.

‘So to upgrade on that side, yes, that’s an option for Arsenal.

‘Raheem Sterling, his loan’s not going to be made permanent, that’s not going to happen. He’ll be looking for pastures new at the start of next season.’

It’s understood Madrid are open to the prospect of selling Rodrygo this summer, though it may require an offer in excess of £85million to get a deal over the line.

Spanish newspaper Marca last month claimed Rodrygo was going through ‘his toughest time’ yet at the Bernabeu and had been ‘locked away in his house thinking about his future’.

It’s understood the Brazil international is feeling undervalued and has been thinking for some time that his spell with the La Liga giants could be coming to an end.

Last year, Rodrygo revealed that he turned down the chance to join Arsenal’s rivals Liverpool after bursting onto the scene as a precocious youngster at Santos.

‘We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to,’ Rodrygo told The Guardian.

‘I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good. The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career.

‘I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football.

‘It had always been my dream to play in Europe. Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder. I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club.

‘And that’s what happened: I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos. But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool.’

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