Back in 2013, Arsenal pounced on one of the greatest market opportunities of all time when signing Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants were not expected to sell the German maestro that summer, but after splashing £85m on Gareth Bale – a world record fee at the time – the sale was made.
Players at Real Madrid were shocked.
Alvaro Arbeloa famously admitted that he thought Mesut Ozil was joking when he said goodbye to those in the Santiago Bernabeu dressing room, while Sergio Ramos claimed the playmaker would be the “last to be leaving” if he was in charge.
Now, Real Madrid might be about to hand Arsenal a similar transfer opportunity…
Arsenal could make another Mesut Ozil style signing in Rodrygo
Well, Real Madrid are currently building something of a modern day galactico side.
Los Blancos can boast superstars such as Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo – with more to come as Endrick arrives this summer, most likely alongside Kylian Mbappe.
However, there are downfalls to such luxuries.
Carlo Ancelotti will surely struggle to keep all of his attackers satisfied when Endrick and Mbappe arrive this summer, while the financial element must also be taken into account.
Real Madrid have splashed £60m on Endrick, while Sky Sports believe Mbappe will cost around £100m – despite technically going down as a free transfer, as his contract with PSG expires.
It comes after Real Madrid also spent £88.5m on Bellingham last summer without making any significant sales, so – just like what happened with Ozil when Bale arrived – a shock exit may occur.
In our view, that could benefit Arsenal once again and see Rodrygo end up in north London.
Mikel Arteta could benefit
A story from Sport in Spain states that the Gunners have enquired about the Brazil international, who many believe could be shoved aside to make way for Mbappe and Endrick.
Fabrizio Romano believes Real Madrid have no plans to sell the South American – who is happy at the Santiago Bernabeu – although the Spanish giants are hardly going to publicly put their No.11 up for sale.
Even Ozil looked set to stay in Madrid before his shock move to Arsenal – as did Angel Di Maria before the signing of James Rodriguez saw him shipped to Manchester United in 2014.
Be sure to keep an eye on Rodrygo’s situation – this could be one to look out for.
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