Mikel Arteta told to reignite interest in summer transfer target after abandoning move

Arsenal icon Gilberto Silva has urged Arsenal to re-explore a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo after abandoning their summer pursuit. The Gunners were linked with a swoop for the Brazilian winger a few months ago as Mikel Arteta attempted to bolster his wide options.

They explored a move for Rodrygo, only to decide on signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace instead. The England man has since impressed at the Emirates Stadium.

Rodrygo’s prospects have not improved much in the time since, having made just three starts for Real Madrid all season under Xabi Alonso. His compatriot Silva has suggested that he would still be a positive signing for the current Premier League leaders.

"I know him and we've met a couple of times, but I don’t know his situation with Arsenal," Silva told talkSPORT. “At the beginning of the season, I thought it would be fantastic to have Rodrygo at the club.

"It is clear he will not have much of an opportunity to play under Xabi Alonso at Madrid, but he's a great player with real talent, which is a waste if he is on the bench - but obviously there is big competition at Arsenal as well."

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Silva added: "He’s got the ability to perform not only from the left side but in other positions across the forward line as well. Should Arsenal go in for him? Why not?

"If he's not happy and there is an opportunity to increase the strength of the squad, then we can try and get him.

"The only question is, where would he fit? Maybe a few years ago, it would have been much easier to find a good player to fit that Arsenal squad.

"However, nowadays, even if you are a good player, it's not so easy to find a starting place in this current team."

Rodrygo has been with Real Madrid since a 2019 move from Brazilian side Santos. He has gone on to make 283 appearances for the Spanish giants and has scored 68 goals but has yet to find the net during the current season.

His most productive campaign came during the 2022/23 campaign as he scored on 19 occasions. Rodrygo’s Real Madrid contract expires in the summer of 2028, having penned an extension in 2023.