Emmanuel Petit has encouraged Arsenal to pursue a bid for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and is convinced the forward would bring ‘something great’ to Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners – spearheaded by new sporting director Andrea Berta – are intent on bolstering their attack this summer after receiving widespread criticism for their inactivity over the last two transfer windows.
Signing an out-and-out No.9 is seen as an absolute must, with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko said to be at the top of the club’s wishlist in this area.
The north Londoners are also keen to strengthen out wide and have initial held discussions over a possible bid to sign Madrid winger Rodrygo, who fell out of favour last season at the Bernabeu.
Reports emanating out of Spain suggest Madrid would be open to selling Rodrygo should they receive an offer in the region of €80million (£67.5m) for the Brazil international over the coming weeks.
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However, it’s understood Rodrygo is feeling ‘positive’ again since Xabi Alonso took over the reins from Carlo Ancelotti and his father and agent, Eric Goes, is ‘unwilling to enter into negotiations’ at this stage, with the Club World Cup underway.
‘I love Rodrygo as a player,’ ex-Arsenal and France midfielder Petit told talkSPORTBET.
‘I think it’s been difficult for him in the last two seasons with Vinicius Junior nearly winning the Ballon d’Or and being the main player, but he did so well with Vinicius and Jude Bellingham.
‘I love his commitment on the pitch and he can score and assist, he works hard and shows humility.
‘I think he would bring something great to Arsenal.’
According to Petit, Arsenal have little option but to ‘splash a lot of money’ on a statement signing up front after once again finishing the season trophyless.
‘Benjamin Sesko is an option, Mohammed Kudus is another one, there is Alexander Isak, Nico Williams, but all players that Arsenal would face competition for,’ the 1998 World Cup winner added.
‘Arsenal have to do something important, they have to splash a lot of money, there is no choice, but to put that money on the table and convince them that this is the season Arsenal will win a major trophy.
‘The biggest problem for Arsenal is the vision of the players, they might be confident in improving individually but end up not winning anything.
‘That could harm them in the transfer market when they are competing with other clubs.’
Rodrygo will have been pleased to have been named in Alonso’s starting XI for Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal on Wednesday.
But the two-time Champions League winner was largely ineffective and came off for Brahim Diaz in the 65th minute as the La Liga giants were held to a 1-1 draw in Miami.
Facing the media ahead of the contest, Alonso said he had been encouraged by the application that Rodrygo was showing on the training ground.
‘I know what had happened in the final stretch of last season. It was not easy for him,’ the Madrid head coach told reporters.
‘He took some time to reset his head and I see him wanting to enjoy and contribute.’
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