Rodrygo. (NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has yet again signaled Arsenal’s intention to invest heavily in attack this summer, stating a need for “firepower.”
Arteta is usually coy on transfer speculation, preferring not to get drawn into making definitive statements or naming specific transfer targets. He continued this trend, but set clear expectations for Arsenal’s summer business.
Arsenal earlier this month became linked with Real Madrid star Rodrygo after news broke of the the player’s unhappiness with his role in Madrid. Those links have intensified this week, with Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg reporting that behind the scenes talks have taken place between the two clubs.
€80m is the price tag being bandied about, and Arteta claims Arsenal are now in a position where major deals should be the norm.
When asked about links to Rodrygo, Arteta told Sky Sports: “If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market, no? The teams that win always have the best players.”
“I wouldn’t like to name a player, but there is pride because we have brought the club into a position that next season people are saying: ‘You have to win a major trophy.’
“And that means that everybody believes, and that we are an elite team in this country and in Europe. The biggest statement is that Arsenal is there.”
Arteta names goal scorers as a need this summer
“What is clear with the amount of injuries that we had in the front line is that we need a goal threat and we need firepower. Understanding that the context can change tomorrow, we cannot rely just on the numbers that we had before.”
“We have to add goals, creativity, and we have to add numbers, and that will be in different positions.”
Arteta’s newest comments follow similar sentiments he shared after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle in their penultimate Premier League game of the season last Sunday.
The Spanish manager in his post match press conference challenged his board to “do what they have to do” this summer, alluding to suggestions that he was not fully backed with funds last January.
Arsenal continue to be linked with several big name forwards. A striker is understood to be Arteta’s main priority with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres (pictured above) and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko the two said to be of most interest. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is also a known target.
Athletic Club’s Nico Williams was reportedly Arsenal’s top target on the wing, but it seems Rodrygo could now be added to the mix.
About the Author
