Real Madrid News
Real Madrid attacker only wants Arsenal move if he leaves this summer – report
Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo’s future has become a hot topic in the Spanish capital lately.
The forward has struggled to perform in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup, with new coach Xabi Alonso putting his faith in Arda Guler instead.
This has led to speculation over the Brazilian’s long-term future, with Al Nassr notably becoming the latest club to be linked with a move for the forward.
Apart from the Saudi Arabian giants, Arsenal, too, have been linked with a move for Rodrygo, even though Real Madrid have not yet received an offer for the player.
Rodrygo wants to join Arsenal
According to Hand of Arsenal, Rodrygo has chosen his preferred destination, in the event he does leave Real Madrid this summer.
As per the report, the Brazilian international has his heart set on a move to Arsenal if he quits Real Madrid.
Rodrygo, in fact, considers it an absolute priority that he joins Arsenal and the same has been informed to the intermediaries of the Saudi Arabian clubs.
This is quite significant and may serve as first real signs of Rodrygo also considering an exit from Santiago Bernabeu after a troubling year at the club.
As mentioned earlier, Rodrygo’s status and importance in the Real Madrid have dissipated and things could get worse, with Franco Mastantuono also slated to join in mid-August.
Real Madrid, for their part, would ideally like to keep hold of Rodrygo. But they won’t be closing the door on an exit if the player can generate attractive offers.
That could be a problem for Arsenal, considering the fact that Los Blancos might not budge for a cut price deal for the services of the Brazilian international.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid weighing up January move for €70 million-rated Arsenal midfielder – report
Real Madrid’s midfield is the one department where Jose Mourinho sees clear scope for improvement, especially given that the club did not sanction his wish for a top midfield signing in the summer.
While Bernardo Silva has chipped in as a handy option to feature in the deep midfield, the club still lacks a controlling and creative option who can glue the team together.
In that sense, there is a clear lacuna that Real Madrid need to address and Defensa Central brings to light that the club have opened up to a potential target.
Zubimendi emerges as a target
Indeed, the player in question is Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi who the club have seen as a target for a long time, and Real Madrid could even go on to sign him in January.
The Spanish international has not started off the new season well under Mikel Arteta and has primarily featured as a substitute. He does, thus, see a move to Madrid with good eyes in every sense.
Real Madrid, for their part, have not ruled out his signing as was reported in recent months and there is even a chance they seriously pursue him in the winter transfer window as a mid-season fix.
The possible fee
The Spanish outlet also add that Zubimendi’s move to Real Madrid could be completed for a fee similar to what Arsenal paid for the player for his transfer from Real Sociedad – €70 million.
Mourinho’s insistence on making a new midfield signing is no secret, and with a clear target now in mind, the board could well back him with the player he wishes.
Notably, however, even Chelsea are seriously interested in his signing.
So far, Federico Valverde has been Real Madrid’s mainstay in midfield, and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return will change the team’s dynamics in the department.
Neither player, however, offers the control and distribution skill set that the team direly lack.
A big part of whether or not the club pushes for Zubimendi, however, will depend on how the Valverde-Tchouameni combination plays out in the coming months. It is, after all, the manager’s first-choice combination for big games.
