The Gunners are linked with Rodrygo as the club is moving to block Martin Ødegaard’s exit. Arsenal finds itself in the middle of two big narratives in the football world of transfers. Gunners are said to be linked with the revival of its interest in Real Madrid forward Rodrygo. Even as it is also taking a strong leadership position to ensure that the captain Martin Odegaard does not leave the club.
Rodrygo: A Prized Target
In recent conjecture, Arsenal are raising their interest in a transfer of 24 year old Brazilian international Rodrygo. The reports suggest that the winger is contemplating his future at Real Madrid when he has ended up in the sporadic role under manager Xabi Alonso this season. The reports also suggests that he has only been starting two matches in the La Liga.
Such inconsistent game time has sounded alarm among some of the premier league clubs. Arsenal and its competitors Tottenham Hotspur are already in the hunt. Reports also add that even intermediaries have contacted Arsenal regarding the likelihood of January transfer. Moreover, the player himself is now willing to make a switch to England.
Nonetheless, any transaction will be expensive. Real Madrid are likely to charge him a fee ranging between PS80-90 million. This is a big expense that would make his transfer difficult during the mid-season. Mikel Arteta has signed other attackers such as Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke in the recent past. However, Rodrygo has reportedly caught the eyes of the manager due to his pace and technical prowess as he scored 14 goals last season.
Ødegaard: The Untouchable Captain
At the flipside, any interest of their club captain, Martin Odegaard is on the verge of rebuffing by Arsenal. The 26 year old Norwegian midfielder has been in association with an unexpected transfer to the Spanish giant Barcelona.
However, the position of the club is clear: Odegaard is not for sale. According to the reports of transfer journalists, Arsenal have no plans at all to sell their skipper. They believe that he is a cornerstone on which they can build the team. The club knows his value by the fact that he is the captain and has a contract that extends up to the summer of 2028.
Strategic Implications
These two stories give a vivid description of the ambition of Arsenal. Trying to have a talent as Rodrygo is an approach to bring elite layers to the attack, and his uncompromising defence of Odegaard is a reminder that he is invaluable to the project of Mikel Arteta. In the meantime, expectant silence on the odegaard front, but the rumours that the Gunners are in talks with Rodrygo are ones to keep watch on.
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