Arsenal must not fall into the Rodrygo trap this January

Arsenal are crying out for attackers and Real Madrid look set to put their long-time target Rodrygo in the January sales – at first glance, it seems a no-brainer.

In reality, anyone with half a brain at N5 should see it as a trap and tell Mikel Arteta he should run for the hills.

Reports in The Athletic claim that Rodrygo will return from injury after Christmas and it is easy to see why the Gunners might want to swoop: he is very much available given the stiff competition at Real Madrid, while his experience playing in any position across the frontline would be a huge perk in the eyes of Arteta.

Indeed, if Malick Fofana can prompt serious thought (only came onto the Arsenal radar in the final hours of deadline day last summer, is extremely raw, and had zero experience of English football), then why not consider a Los Blancos serial winner?

Why Arsenal must not consider a move for Rodrgyo in January

No offence, Malick.

Well, here is the ‘why’: Rodrygo has a terrible injury history ranging from knee issues to hamstring woes and is only just bouncing back from an ACL tear which has kept him out of action since early March.

He will need lots of time to work up his fitness again and, even then, what is the likelihood that he can stay fit?

Then there is the small matter of wages – the 25-year-old would command a wage in line with his deal at Madrid, said to be in the region of £300kpw. That sort of money is only worthwhile for true difference makers and elite talents, it is a hardly a good idea for someone whose availability cannot be relied on.

Lastly, his lack of Premier League exposure is a problem. One might think that, if he is good enough for Real Madrid, then he cannot be too bad, but fans have seen big names flop time and time again when plunged into unfamiliar English surroundings from abroad.

Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Nicolas Pepe and Antony are just some big names who transferred to England after impressing elsewhere only to struggle greatly and then soon leave for the continent once more.

Regardless of any desperation, Arsenal must make economically sound decisions and get players who boast the track record to suggest they can make a fast, mid-season impact. Rodrygo does not provide that reassurance by any metric – fitness, financial, or experience – and, as such, the Gunners would be insane to pursue a move.

Hopefully Arteta lays off the sherry next month and gets the Kroenkes to invest their winter funds in someone else.

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