Arsenal interested in two 24-year-old wingers after cooling pursuit of Spanish star - report
Arsenal are likely to make multiple additions to their frontline ahead of next season.
A marquee striker is the number one priority, but a versatile winger could be signed too.
Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams has been heavily linked with the Gunners, but The Athletic clarify that the club have cooled their pursuit of the Spain international.
Williams has been a long-term target for the London giants, but the 22-year-old clearly has his sights on joining Barcelona and seems prepared to wait for them.
Amidst this, The Athletic claim that Arsenal have two alternative targets in mind.
The Gunners have a particular interest to fill that wide player slot with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon is also on the club’s radar.
Rodrygo seems a more realistic target for Arsenal
Arsenal have had Bukayo Saka as an undisputed starter on the right wing when fit. He has been made regular goal contributions and has been pretty consistent.
However, the same can’t be said on the opposite flank. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have had their high moments, but inconsistency has been a concern.
Manager Mikel Arteta may want a better solution in the role, and it has been reported that the Spaniard is a big admirer of Rodrygo and has carefully studied his profile.
Arteta believes Rodrygo can become a superstar, particularly on the left wing at Arsenal.
The 24-year-old managed 24 goal contributions from 51 appearances for Madrid last term. He was most effective from the left wing with 12 goal involvements from as many games.
The Brazilian has barely played there due to the presence of Vinicius Junior. His playing time on the right wing could also be reduced next season with Franco Mastantuono’s arrival.
With this in mind, Arsenal could seek to persuade the winger. Exploratory talks have been held with his representative. Madrid could open the door for a €90 million sale.
We believe Rodrygo is a more realistic target than Gordon. The Newcastle winger put pen-to-paper on a long-term deal last year. The 24-year-old is presently contracted until June 2030.
Eddie Howe’s side qualified for the Champions League with a fifth-place finish last season. This has put them in a strong financial position with no requirements for a high-profile exit.
Hence, we would be surprised if the Magpies entertain the prospect of him leaving. The same can be said about Alexander Isak. Arsenal’s chances of signing the Swede diminished as soon as Newcastle’s qualification for the Champions League was confirmed last month.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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