Arsenal face Rodrygo transfer wait as Real Madrid's stance on sale emerges

Arsenal have identified Rodrygo as a top summer target in their search for a quality left winger but it may take time for a deal for the Real Madrid superstar to materialise

Arsenal may have to play a waiting game to land Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo. The Gunners are chasing an elite level left winger and the Brazil international is on their radar as an ambitious target for this summer.

Real Madrid may be willing to allow Rodrygo to leave this summer - but would demand in excess of £70m and his wage demands would make him one of Arsenal’s top earners. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has had conversations with a raft of top clubs, agents and stars this summer and there is a belief that Real Madrid may be willing to do business.

Rodrygo, 24, may also fancy a fresh challenge even though he currently makes up one of football’s most fearsome forward lines with Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.

But Arsenal know that Real Madrid’s stance may soften as the transfer window drags on and if they have to offload or lower their demands then it is likely to be later in the window.

It would be a gamble as they have already seen another top target, Athletic Bilbao’ Nico Williams, get lined up for a move to Barcelona.

But there is a genuine interest in Rodrygo and it now remains to be seen whether they can progress on it and get encouragement - or have to look elsewhere. The left winger, though, remains a top priority.

Arsenal will also have to balance the potential cost of a top left winger with the price of a new No9 with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko emerging as the favoured target.

They have courted Sesko for more than 18 months, they nearly got him last summer and have put in groundwork to land the Slovenian striker.

But RB Leipzig have been holding firm on a price in excess of £70m while Berta is also known for chasing multiple targets and then proceeding with the best deal.

That is why Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres is still a strong possibility and Aston Villa ’s Ollie Watkins is also on the radar because Arsenal want to strengthen in several positions and cannot blow all their money on one target.

They have already lined up a £51m move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and that deal will be confirmed and announced imminently.

Berta has also been looking at the defence and the chance to shake it up and improve the back-up options.