Gabriel Magalhaes has admitted he would love Rodrygo to join him at Arsenal ‘if it were up to’ him, with the Brazilian describing the Real Madrid star as a ‘phenomenon’.
Rodrygo has been heavily speculated to leave Real Madrid this summer after a disappointing season and Arsenal are among the clubs said to be heavily pursuing his signature.
While the 24-year-old will wait until having talks with new manager Xabi Alonso before formally deciding his future, multiple Premier League clubs are understood to have approached Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential move.
Appearing on the Podpah podcast in Brazil, Gabriel was asked if Rodrygo was set for a move to the Gunners, to which he replied: “I don’t know. But I’d like it obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon for me. He’s not at Arsenal but they’re saying his name a lot.
“If it was up to me? Of course! I already told the guys. I even said to the director Rodrygo is a phenomenon!”
Arsenal ready to revamp attack with double forward signing
Arsenal are keen to add more pedigree and depth to their frontline and the club are thought to see Rodrygo as a credible option to add a new dimension to their attack.
However, Real Madrid would likely ask for a fee close to €100 million for Rodrygo, which may prove to be a hurdle for Arsenal given their need to strengthen their squad in multiple areas.
Arsenal are still in pursuit of a striker, with talks set to continue over the signing of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, with one of the duo likely to be the number nine chosen to be signed by the club.
But with both players having price tags in excess of €70m, in addition to the imminent €60m signing of Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal may find themselves pressed to meet Real’s demands for Rodrygo if they do decide to make a formal move for the winger.
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