While this summer's world cup slowly unfolds for the 12 European participants, the rest of the continent of the continent did not take their eyes off the transfer market – even if the window has not yet been officially opened. But it is getting closer.
Barcelona's aggressive push to sign athletic club wing Nico Williams, has thrown a key in Arsenal's plans, because the Basque star was high on the Gunners' will. After that disappointment, Arsenal has now drawn his attention to Real Madrid – and more specifically to Rodrygo. The Brazilian wing player stands up as one of the biggest names on the list of potential summer deviations from the Bernabéu.
Gunners priced from the Nico Williams operation
Arsenal has entered four key positions to strengthen this summer: a striker, a left wing player, a middle back and a midfielder. Midfield should almost be tackled, with Martín Zubimendi reportedly about to become a member. As far as the left wing is concerned, with Nico Williams now out of screen, Rodrygo has emerged as a prime target.
In the current line -up of Mikel Arteta, the left -wing position is nominally filled by Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard – two players who have played important roles under the Basque coach but are not fully convinced. The Martinelli season was overwhelming and Trossard was often used from position as a center Vooruit – a role that was previously improvised with midfielder Mikel Merino.
At the Emirates, Martinelli's departure is not off the table when a strong offer arrives. And then there is the situation of Trossard, which is a bit of a hot potato. He is located at the bottom of the wage scale of Arsenal, his contract runs until 2026 and he reportedly sees a substantial increase in his next deal.
Wage discipline and market movements
After several active transfer penters, Arsenal now sees the need to cash in on a large sale – without weakening the team or to disrupt the wage structure that Arteta has worked. That is a big reason why the Gunners did not go completely in Nico Williams, despite strong interest. It also explains the complications of every possible movement for Rodrygo.
After having explored the camp of the athletic winger, Arsenal decided that the financial requirements were too steep. Reports suggest that Nico could earn almost $ 8.6 million per year (net) at Barça – a price tag that the North -London club has prevented from introducing a bidding war.
Despite the pumping of almost € 700 million in new signing sessions in the past four seasons, Arsenal has been adhered to a tightly controlled wage policy. Speculation in England even suggests that only Declan Rice comes close to the £ 300,000 threshold per week-roughly $ 23 million a year before taxes. According to various specialized salary, no Arsenal player makes the top 10 highest earners of the Premier League, making the Gunners stars a low among people like those in Manchester City, United and Chelsea.
And that is again an obstacle in Arsenal's striving for Rodrygo. The Brazilian wing player has signed a contract extension with Real Madrid until 2028 and reportedly earns between $ 7.5 and $ 8.6 million net per year and a solid medium salary in the stacked team of Madrid, but one that would cross him in Arsenal's upper wage bracket. Moreover, any potential deal would come up with substantial transfer costs. Transfertmarkt currently appreciates Rodrygo on just over $ 97 million, and it is unlikely that Real Madrid will settle for less.
On the field, Rodrygo is tailor-made for the vision of Mikel Arteta-a coach who thrives with adaptable players with multiple positions. Few fit that fungus better than El Rayo. Rodrygo is perhaps even a more natural fit for arsenal than Nico Williams. In Real Madrid he had to reinvent himself. Rodrygo is blocked on the left on the left by an irreplaceable Vinícius Júnior and has seamlessly adjusted to the right flank and has even shown flashes as a central striker – deliberately the kind of tactical flexibility Arteta has longed for the entire season.
For now, however, the Rodrygo focus remains square on Madrid and the Club World Cup, where he hopes to leave an impression on the new head coach Xabi Alonso. The Basque manager gave him a starting role in the tournament opener against Al Hilal. Although the Brazilian did not fully illuminate the field and was immersed during the break, he still succeeded in a moment of quality with the help of Gonzalo's goal.
Rodrygo Happy in Madrid but confronted with new competition
Next season, Rodrygo will compete for a place with Arder Güler and Franco Mastantuno that limit his chances of regular playing time. When he is on his way in the past, the Brazilian has insisted that he is happy in Madrid and is willing to fight to win his place. This time can be different.
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