Gabriel urges Arsenal to sign ‘phenomenal’ £67m transfer target this summer

Gabriel Magalhaes has endorsed Arsenal’s push to sign Real Madrid midfielder Rodrygo in the summer transfer window.

Mikel Arteta is keen for Arsenal to add another versatile attacking player to his squad alongside a new striker ahead of next season.

Rodrygo, meanwhile, was signed in a €45 million (£39.3m) deal from Brazilian side Santos in 2018 and has won 13 trophies during his time at Madrid, including three La Liga titles and the Champions League on two occasions.

However, Madrid have contemplated selling Rodrygo this summer and the 24-year-old is due to hold talks with new head coach Xabi Alonso before making a decision over his future at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Arsenal and Chelsea have already expressed an interest in signing Rodrygo this summer and it’s understood that Madrid would demand a €80m (£67.5m) transfer fee for the Brazil international, who finished this season with 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

Gabriel plays alongside Rodrygo for Brazil’s national side and the defender admits he would have no hesitation in recommending the winger to Arsenal this summer.

During his appearance on the Podpah Podcast, Gabriel was asked if he knows whether Arsenal will sign Rodrygo this summer.

‘I don’t. No, I don’t, not really,’ Gabriel replied.

‘But I’d like obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He’s not at Arsenal… If it depended on me, I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon.

‘His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course.’

Speaking last month, Alonso gave no indication that he would allow Madrid to sell Rodrygo this summer.

‘Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player, and I will speak with everyone who is part of Real Madrid,’ Alonso said.

‘Rodrygo is a spectacular player and we will need him. He deserves it, and so do we.’

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