Andrea Berta now faces a huge decision in Arsenal's summer transfer window pursuit of Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
In recent weeks, the Gunners have been strongly linked to signing him with head coach Mikel Arteta likely seeing it as a unique market opportunity.
The Brazil international has featured minimally in Real's last six games due to injury and illness, but his absence still saw exit rumours spark. .
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"Rodrygo has discomfort in his leg," he revealed at a press conference earlier this month ahead of their clash against Mallorca. "He’s sad for that, but there’s really nothing more.
"He had [a] fever and didn’t train last week so he wasn’t fit. He felt uncomfortable and we wanted to look at it. Everyone loves Rodrygo, especially me."
Though Ancelotti has made his stance clear, he will no longer be in charge of Los Blancos with Xabi Alonso set to take over imminently. Alongside the club's former midfielder becoming manager,
With two major changes having already taken place, a departure for Rodrygo cannot be ruled out. Arsenal look to be banking on both parties being open to an exit withreporting that the club are actively in the market for a new winger and that Rodrygo is highly rated.
They have also claimed that new talks have taken place in the last 24 hours but that any potential is complicated because of his significant wages, which are said to be in the region of £8.4million (€10m) per year.
As football.london had reported earlier this week,
To sign those marquee names at the peak of their careers, a sizeable financial package is required and Arteta's recent comments suggest that, for the right player, the club will commit to that.
Rodrygo was specifically mentioned to Arteta but rather than being asked about the rumours, the question to the Arsenal boss was more focused on what it means for the club that they are being linked to those elite-level players.
"Well, I wouldn't like to name a player," "But obviously we have come...I think the biggest thing is that, and using the word pride, is that we have brought the club into a position, into a place that next season: ‘You have to win a major trophy.’
"That means that everybody believes that we have the level, that we have shown the consistency, and we are an elite team in this country and in Europe. "And if you don't do that, then what's going to happen?
"So, for me, that's the biggest statement, that Arsenal is there."
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