Arsenal told they should ignore Real Madrid star after big 'transfer shame'

Daily Mirror

5 hours ago

Arsenal have been tipped to spend big in their first summer with Andrea Berta in place as sporting director but a former club captain has urged them to overlook one target
Former Arsenal captain William Gallas believes the Gunners should put their faith in Gabriel Martinelli rather than breaking the bank for Rodrygo. Real Madrid star Rodrygo would cost north of £75million, and Gallas believes there's no need to part with that kind of money while Martinelli is at the club.
Arsenal are set for a busy summer as they aim to improve on last season's runner-up finish in the Premier League. Spanish goalkeeper Kepa is due to arrive from Chelsea this week, while te Gunners' striker search is likely to see one of Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko join the club.
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A new wide forward is also high on sporting director Andrea Berta's list, especially if Leandro Trossard ends up leaving this summer. However, Gallas isn't convinced Rodrygo would be an upgrade on what they have.
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'Rodrygo might want to leave Real Madrid, but that doesn't mean he will want to play for Arsenal," Gallas told Prime Casino. 'I think it's important that Arsenal stick with Gabriel Martinelli because we have seen the level he can perform at.
"Things are difficult for Rodrygo at the moment but Arsenal might be better off sticking with what they have," he added. The 24-year-old scored 14 times in all competitions this season, but was limited to less than 2,000 minutes in the league
Nico Williams is another player linked with that left-sided berth. The Spanish international has been a long-term target, but appears destined for Barcelona if and when he leaves Athletic Club.
'It's a big shame that it looks like Nico Williams isn't going to Arsenal, we always love to see the best players in the Premier League and he would be one of them," Gallas added. 'I think his target is to stay in Spain and potentially join Barcelona.
"The football suits him well and he could form a partnership with Lamine Yamal. It'll be sad for Raphinha because he has played so well and extended his contract, maybe if he is going to keep his place then Bayern Munich could push to sign Williams.'
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The links with Rodrygo come after the Brazil star remained on the bench for Real Madrid's second Club World Cup group game against Pachuca. A 3-1 victory over the Mexican side means Los Blancos will progress with a point against Red Bull Salzburg on Friday, but they're going for all three points.
"We have to improve and continue getting to know each other, because new players have arrived," midfielder Fede Valverde said ahead of the game. "We have to prepare in the best possible way because it's going to be a very important and demanding match. We have to try to get the three points to qualify in first place."
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