Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal strongly pursue £205k-a-week player as top transfer target is now out of reach

Arsenal have designated the prospective signing of a highly-rated attacker as an absolute “dream” scenario for Mikel Arteta, with the Gunners desperate to secure his services after receiving bad news concerning a major target.

Andrea Berta’s promising debut as Arsenal’s sporting director
Andrea Berta has already had a bright start at N5, as the Italian sporting director signed Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for roughly £55 million (Fabrizio Romano).

The 53-year-old has also completed Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £5 million transfer from Chelsea, with the Spaniard leaving Stamford Bridge for north London in a highly astute move by Berta to find a quality David Raya replacement.

This has also been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, with all documentation “sealed” for Kepa, Arsenal’s second unofficial signing following Zubimendi.

🚨🔴⚪️ Kepa to Arsenal, here we go! Deal done for the Spanish goalkeeper to join #AFC as new backup for David Raya.

Arsenal activate £5m clause from Chelsea and all documents are now sealed.

One more addition for Arteta after Martin Zubimendi. pic.twitter.com/56w04dmF8w

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2025

Arteta’s engine room and goalkeeping options have been boosted with proven quality, but according to Romano, £205,000-per-week Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is also high on Berta’s list.

The Brazil international has a price tag of roughly £77 million and exorbitant salaries, making him a pricey transfer to pull off. However, Romano is confident that Arsenal has placed him at the top of their shortlist of wide targets.

Arsenal “dream” of signing Rodrygo to replace Mikel Arteta.

According to a recognised journalist’s personal YouTube channel, Arsenal “dream” of signing Rodrygo, despite Nico Williams’ more likely move to Barcelona.

According to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, Williams was a top target for Arsenal, and Berta even spoke with the Spaniard’s representatives in one of his “first acts” as sporting director, but his move to London is now judged “impossible”.

“Arsenal adores Rodrygo. “When I say Arsenal, I mean the management, the coach, and Mikel Arteta,” Romano stated.

“They see Rodrygo as a wonderful talent, a dream target as a winger, and believe Nico Williams will be impossible to sign this summer. Rodrygo remains a strong name on Arsenal’s list.

The 24-year-old has 14 goals and 11 assists for Real Madrid in all competitions in 2024/2025, including the Club World Cup, with Rodrygo’s elite-level experience serving as a huge plus despite the fact that he is only just entering his prime.

The hurdles of any deal for Rodrygo are both financial and convincing him to leave world football’s most alluring location to start over in the Premier League, but Arsenal’s real desire is undeniable.

Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal strongly pursue £205k-a-week player as top transfer target is now out of reach

Arsenal reportedly hold a strong desire to secure the signature of a highly-paid star earning £205,000 per week, as their hopes of landing a previously prioritized target have been dashed. According to trusted sources, the Gunners have shifted their focus following complications in pursuing their original transfer objective, who is now considered unattainable due to rising demands and competitive interest.

This development has led the North London club to intensify their efforts toward alternative reinforcements, and the player now in their sights is considered a dream signing by the club’s hierarchy. The financial package associated with the player has not deterred Arsenal, who see this potential acquisition as a game-changer for their Premier League and European ambitions.

Reports suggest that Mikel Arteta is personally involved in discussions regarding the transfer strategy and has identified the target as someone who can elevate the team’s attacking and creative output. The player’s current club may be open to negotiations under the right conditions, though competition from other elite teams could complicate matters.

Arsenal’s interest in the player dates back several windows, but recent circumstances have created a new opening to reignite talks. The club’s technical director, Edu, has reportedly made exploratory contact, aiming to assess the player’s stance on a potential move to the Emirates.

With Champions League football secured for the upcoming season, Arsenal believes they can now offer a more compelling package both financially and competitively. This includes the promise of a starting role, leadership opportunities, and the chance to be part of a growing project under Arteta.

The player in question has a proven track record at the highest levels of club and international football. His versatility and experience would bring much-needed depth and reliability to Arsenal’s lineup, especially in high-stakes matches where composure and skill are paramount.

Despite the potential costs, Arsenal are reportedly confident they can structure a deal that works within their financial model. Creative approaches such as performance-based incentives, staggered payments, and potential player swaps are being explored to make the move feasible.

The departure of the previous top target, now considered out of reach, has shifted Arsenal’s priorities in the transfer market. While disappointing, it has also opened the door to other exciting prospects, including the current star they are pursuing.

Fan reactions to the news have been largely positive, with many supporters expressing excitement over the potential signing. Social media has been buzzing with speculation and debate, as fans analyze how the player would fit into Arteta’s tactical setup.

Former players and pundits have also weighed in, praising the club’s ambition and strategic pivot in the transfer window. They view the move as a sign that Arsenal is no longer content with incremental progress but is aiming for sustained success at the top level.

Negotiations are expected to be complex and could stretch deep into the summer, but Arsenal remains optimistic. Club officials are said to be working around the clock to finalize terms and ensure they remain competitive in a crowded transfer market.

Arsenal’s recent transfer history has shown a willingness to invest in top-tier talent when the right opportunity arises. The potential signing would follow a pattern of bold moves designed to push the club closer to silverware.

With preseason preparations underway, the timing of the deal could be critical. Arteta is eager to integrate new signings early, allowing them to adapt to his system and build chemistry with the squad before the season begins.

The club’s ownership is reportedly supportive of the move, viewing it as a statement of intent. There is recognition that marquee signings can inspire both the locker room and the fanbase, creating momentum that carries into the season.

Injuries and squad depth have been concerns in recent campaigns, and the addition of such a high-caliber player would provide a major boost. It would also create healthy competition for places, driving up performance levels across the board.

Arsenal’s recruitment team is said to be analyzing how the player’s metrics align with the club’s playing philosophy. Early indicators suggest a strong match, particularly in areas such as progressive passing, chance creation, and tactical discipline.

There is also commercial interest in the move, as the player’s profile could enhance Arsenal’s visibility in key international markets. Shirt sales, sponsorship deals, and media coverage would likely receive a boost.

While nothing is finalized yet, the pace of developments suggests a deal could be reached if all parties remain aligned. Arsenal are expected to continue pursuing talks discreetly while preparing for alternate scenarios.

The loss of their original target has served as a wake-up call, but the club appears determined to turn that setback into an opportunity. By chasing a player of proven quality and leadership, they are sending a clear message about their ambitions.

If successful, the signing could mark a pivotal moment in Arsenal’s resurgence. With a young core, a dynamic manager, and now potentially a world-class addition, the Gunners may be on the verge of a new golden chapter in their storied history.