Arsenal star makes feelings very clear on Mikel Arteta's latest transfer target

Arsenal star Gabriel has declared his fellow Brazilian Rodrygo a "phenomenon" amid links with a move to Arsenal. Several weeks ago it was claimed that the Real Madrid star was unhappy and seeking pastures new.

The forward has remained at the Bernabeu and a change in the dugout could yet alter his state of mind, but the Gunners were quickly linked with the Brazilian as they look to bolster their own forward line.

Rodrygo has excelled in recent seasons, becoming a crucial figure as Los Blancos claim La Liga and Champions League glory. He's scored 50 times over the past three years but is not viewed in the same way as team-mates Vinicius Jnr, Jude Bellingham or Kylian Mbappe.

Reports claim frustration has been mounting and causing him to question his future with Los Blancos. Gabriel admits he would love to reunite with his international team-mate at the Emirates but maintained it was not on him to make that decision.

He hailed the Real forward's level when asked if he would be coming to London as he said: "I don’t know. I would like it but who knows? Rodrygo for me is a phenomenon. People are mentioning his name a lot. If it depended on me, of course. As I said, he is a phenomenon."

Real's summer transfer business could prove telling. So far their new arrivals have all come in the backline but the first-team picture will become clearer when Xabi Alonso begins picking his team as he gets to grips with the squad he's inherited in Spain.

The Club World Cup begins imminently and Rodrygo will hope to feature regularly. Failure to do so could see him further push for the exit door despite having a contract that runs until 2028. It is thought it would take around £70million before Real were tempted to sell.

Mikel Arterta is looking for a new No 9 but also wants more quality on the flanks. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have previously dominated those roles but more options are now wanted with Nico Williams at Athletic Bilbao also on their shortlist.

Benjamin Sesko is thought to be their priority target in the coming weeks. Viktor Gyokeres was also under consideration but the RB Leipzig man is who they favour as Arteta looks to land a player who can produce a regular supply of goals.

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