Arsenal transfer new: Gunners target move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo

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The 2023/24 season may have ended but Arsenal fans still have an exciting few weeks ahead with the club expected to be extremely busy strengthening the squad this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s men fell short of winning trophies yet again last season and the Spaniard is now under pressure to bring home some silverware next year. We need to add depth throughout the squad so Arteta has the players needed to compete on all fronts in 2024/25.

A new No.2 goalkeeper is needed to replace Neto – who’s returned to Bournemouth following his loan spell. A versatile defender is on the agenda while at least one new central midfielder is required with Jorginho leaving. Arsenal also need more options on the wings while the most important addition is that of a new prolific striker.

So with so much to do over the coming weeks, it’s no wonder there are so many transfer stories circulating in the media. Let’s take a look at some of the hottest rumours involving Arsenal:

Rodrygo a prime target

According to widespread reports, Arsenal have identified Rodrygo as a prime target this summer as Arteta looks to pull off an audacious swoop for the Real Madrid forward.

We desperately need a top class wide player to offer competition for Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing and reports claim that Arsenal have earmarked Rodrygo amid uncertainty surrounding his future in Spain.

The Brazilian international has been an important figure at the Bernabeu in recent years but his status has declined following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and it’s led to reports of unrest.

Madrid may also be open to cashing-in on Rodrygo to help raise funds to strengthen other areas of the squad. The Gunners are ready to test Madrid’s resolve with a formal offer but any deal could cost up to £80m.

Rodrygo would obviously be a major coup if Arsenal could pull it off. While the 24-year-old would predominantly play on the left, he can play anywhere across the frontline so he’d give Arteta options in the final third.

He has cast experience at the top level and still has his best years ahead of him. Fans with Real Madrid tickets would no doubt be devastated to lose Rodrygo but he’d be a superb signing for Arsenal.

Hato back on Arsenal’s radar

Arsenal have asked to be kept informed on the situation surrounding Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, according to Fabrizio Romano.

We’ve been linked with Hato over the past two years but most assumed our interest ended after signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna last summer.

However, it appears Arsenal remain interested in signing Hato as Romano claims we’ve made contact with Ajax to ask to be kept informed of any developments over his future.

Should the 19-year-old be available for transfer, it looks like Arsenal will be interested in bringing him to North London as Arteta looks to bring in a versatile defender this summer.

Hato has predominantly played at left-back for Ajax but he’s also comfortable playing as a centre-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly has made the left-back spot his own at Arsenal while Calafiori offers depth at both left-back and centre-back.

However, with Oleksandr Zinchenko expected to follow Kieran Tierney out the exit door this summer, Arsenal will lose two left-backs. Jacob Kiwior is also tipped for a move so a move for Hato would make sense.

Signing him won’t be easy though as a host of other clubs including Chelsea and Liverpool are also keen, while Ajax will reportedly demand over £40m for his signature.

Arsenal won’t be able to offer Hato a guaranteed starting spot so he may be reluctant to join if he’s only going to act as a back-up at the Emirates Stadium.

Sesko talks continue

Arsenal remain locked in talks over a potential deal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, according to various reports in the media.

Ask any fan holding Arsenal tickets what they want the club to sign this summer and most would say a top class striker. Our lack of threat up front has arguably cost us a title or two in recent years so it’s clear we need to bring in a centre-forward this summer.

Sesko has emerged as our top target and we’re trying again to sign the Slovenian international after failing to land him last summer or in the January window.

This time, Sesko is ready to leave after Leipzig failed to qualify for Europe and the Bundesliga outfit will be forced to sell if Arsenal meet his £67m release clause. We’ve reportedly already agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old hitman so a deal is edging closer.

Sesko scored 21 goals last season so he’d certainly add some much-needed threat in the final third if he joins Arsenal. He also offers pace and physicality, while at 6ft 5in he would also be a huge threat in the air, so he has all the attributes Arteta is looking for in a striker.

Kepa surprise

Kepa Arrizabalaga is in-line for a surprise move to Arsenal after we opened talks with Chelsea to sign the Spanish goalkeeper.

Neto has returned to Bournemouth following his loan spell, so Arsenal need to bring in a No.2 two keeper to compete with David Raya next season.

After missing out on Joan Garcia – who’s off to Barcelona – Arsenal have now identified Kepa as an alternative. The 30-year-old enjoyed a fine season on loan at Bournemouth last term and has been told he has no long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal have now opened talks with Chelsea over a move for the former Real Madrid man, and are set to snap him up in a bargain deal by triggering his £5m release clause.

Kepa initially struggled after making a record-breaking £72m move to Chelsea in 2018 but he has matured in recent years and gained top level experience during spells at Real Madrid and Bournemouth.

He would be a solid addition to Arsenal’s squad and at just £5m with the player agreeing to take a pay cut, it seems like a good deal for the club if we can get it over the line.

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