Arsenal target second Real Madrid star after huge Rodrygo transfer offers emerge

Arsenal are keen on signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid this summer but they have alternatives in mind if a deal for the exciting Brazil international cannot be achieved

Arsenal have identified Brahim Diaz as an alternative target to Rodrygo if they are unsuccessful in their bid to lure the Real Madrid forward to the Emirates this summer.

The Gunners are seeking quality additions to their forward line and want to add a left-sided forward as well as a top No.9. Rodrygo, 24, has quickly emerged as a top target amid uncertainty over his future at the Bernabeu alongside other names, such as a long-term target in Nico Williams.

While Arsenal are keen on the idea of adding Rodrygo to their ranks, the noises coming out of Spain suggest that the player is leaning towards staying put.

But a new report from Fichajes claims that Brahim, 25, is seen as a 'smart' alternative to Rodrygo who would also likely be available for a more reasonable price than the former Santos man.

It's said that Arsenal would be prepared to offer as much as €50million (£42.6m) to bring the versatile forward to north London.

While it remains to be seen if Brahim would be open to a Premier League switch, there are other suitors lurking, too. Bayer Leverkusen, now coached by Erik ten Hag, are also interested in the Morocco international.

Rival transfer interest could also impact their ability to lure Rodrygo to The Emirates, with the same outlet claiming that Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal have laid down monstrous €130m (£110.8m) offers for the Brazil star.

While it remains to be seen if Rodrygo would be open to moving to Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid could struggle to turn down such sums for a player who had fallen out of favour under Carlo Ancelotti.

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For Rodrygo's part, he is seemingly willing to try and re-establish himself under the club's new head coach, Xabi Alonso.

Marca even reported last week that Rodrygo was 'back on track' after holding early talks with Alonso, with the forward even sharing a selection of training images on his social media account alongside the caption "happy".

Arsenal are also avid admirers of Williams, but financing the deal for the Athletic Bilbao star would be costly. Crucially, he, too, has admirers and is said to have transfer talks with Barcelona in recent days over a potential cross La Liga switch.