Arsenal is strongly connected this summer to a movement for Real Madrid Forward Rodrygo, and Micah Richards believes
Micah Richards believes that Arsenal's top goal must be a left wing player, and Real Madrid's Rodrygo has been selected as their problem solver. The North Londoners launched their Premier League campaign from 2025/26 with a 1-0 win over Manchester United, because the first half of Riccardo Calafiori turned out to be decisive in Old Trafford.
Mikel Arteta showed his improved team depth by bringing Noni Madueke, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber in the second half. Nevertheless, Richards insists that the Gunners can still strengthen their team before the transfer window closes.
About the rest, the football podcast about what Arsenal is currently missing is, he said: “You know what is really good about Arsenal now, I still think they are a left wing player short or stayed forward.
“But if you look at Arsenal's bench today, you know Ben White started with Calafiori, and Lewis-Skelly last season was excellent and wood-hey [Arteta] Can the full-backs now change and have no influence on the team. The quality does not go down, so that would help him as long as everyone stays fit all season.
“Merino, the impact he had, Madueke comes up – although I prefer Madueke on the right instead of left.”
Discussing the limitations on the left and how the talented Brazilian of Real Madrid can offer a solution, Richards continued: “I just look at that position on the left and think if they could sort that. When they were linked to Rodrygo, that could solve many problems for them.
“But yes, it is a huge victory away from home, and it just gives you the momentum you need before the start of the season.”
Rodrygo is consistently connected to the Gunners during the summer transfer window, after his reduced role in Madrid during the FIFA Club World Cup.
New manager Xabi Alonso gave the 24-year-old only one start during the tournament, while previous boss Carlo Ancelotti could not make a priority starter in the last campaign. With Tottenham Hotspur, which seems closer to securing the other attacking target of Arsenal, Ebereechi Eze, Rodrygo remains the most frequently mentioned alternative.
But despite the fact that the North -London club is one of the countless Premier League parties who love the young Brazilian, Alonso has said that he is counting on everyone in Madrid this season “.
Currently Rodrygo is one of the six attackers who the Madrid's manager chose in his team to get Osasuna in the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening – although this does not provide a starting position. If the 24-year-old would consider a potential exit of the Spanish champions for more consistent first team opportunities, then Arteta might be the perfect figure to attract him to the Premier League this campaign.
Madrid reportedly appreciated Rodrygo on a substantial £ 86 million (€ 100 million) and would be open to let the player leave if he wants. With the transfer window that only closes on 1 September, Arsenal still has time to negotiate and find their ideal star man on the left, whether it is Rodrygo or another player.
In the meantime, they can also discharge extra margin players, such as Fabio Vieira, to increase their budget and free up the space in the team.
Arsenal has already strengthened their attack line this season with the signing sessions of Viktor Gyokees and Madueke. However, Richards is determined that if Arsenal wants a chance on Premier League Glory, they have to sign someone like Rodrygo or identify another left -sided forward to help their new campaign.
Co-host Gary Lineker is of the opinion that Arsenal will still have a chance on title glory if they continue in their current form, without losing players by injury. After Richards' call to follow a left -wing attacker, Lineker said: “Yes, if Gyokees turns it off, then [have a chance].
“That has been added to the fact that they now look as if they have a little more power in depth, and if they can perhaps avoid one or two of the great injuries they had last season – especially Odegaard and Saka, and then Overtz towards the end of the season – then you know, they have a real chance.”
The Gunners will organize newly promoted Leeds United in their first home game of the 2025/26 season in the Emirates Stadium, kicking off at 5.30 pm on Saturday.