Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has urged the Gunners to revive their interest in fellow Brazilian Rodrygo.
The Invincible midfielder encouraged the Real Madrid star to “take the next step” this summer, describing his old club as a “perfect fit”.
4
In May, The Pitch Prospect revealed that Arsenal were real candidates to sign Rodrygo, who was seen as unsettled at the Bernabeu.
The 24-year-old ultimately stayed in Madrid, but continued to play second fiddle to Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Rodrygo stats
The winger has failed to score in 13 LaLiga and Champions League games this season, having only started three of those games.
“I know him and we have met a few times, but I don’t know his situation at Arsenal,” Silva told The Pitch Prospect.com, via Casino.Guru.
“At the start of the season I thought it would be fantastic to have Rodrygo at the club.
“It’s clear he won’t have much chance of playing under Xabi Alonso in Madrid, but he’s a great player with real talent, which would be a waste if he’s on the bench – but of course there’s big competition at Arsenal too.”
Mikel Arteta’s side held exploratory talks with Rodrygo’s camp but ultimately looked for attacking reinforcements elsewhere.
Noni Madueke arrived from Chelsea for £52million before his England teammate Eberechi Eze rejected a move to Tottenham and Arsenal.
Neither Leandro Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli left north London over the summer, despite previous speculation.
However, Silva added that Arsenal should still look to play for Rodrygo if the opportunity arises.
4
4
Rodrygo to Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhães described his compatriot as a “phenomenon”, while Jude Bellingham claimed he was the most talented and gifted player in the Real Madrid squad.
Silva added: “He has the ability to play not only on the left side but also in other positions along the forward line.”
“Should Arsenal go for him? Why not?”
“If he is not happy and there is an opportunity to strengthen the team, we can try to get him.”
“The question is, where would he fit? A few years ago it might have been a lot easier to find a good player to fit into the Arsenal squad.”
“However, these days it is not so easy to find a starting place in this current team, even if you are a good player.”
4
Other applicants
Rodrygo has won three LaLiga and two Champions League titles with Madrid since signing in 2019, scoring 68 goals and providing 53 assists.
At the beginning of June, Los Blancos valued the Brazil international, whose contract runs until 2028, at €90m (£77m).
Rodrygo remains a long-term target for Saudi Arabia but links to Chelsea and Spurs are way off the mark, The Pitch Prospect understands.
Arsenal, who still love the player, are in a similar position due to the overall package and squad strength they already have.