According to a report, Arsenal have named Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Díaz as an ideal alternative to Rodrygo Goes, who was at the top of their wish list.
The Gunners have been linked with a possible transfer for Rodrygo, where they have reportedly considered a move seriously. But there has been little progress on that front in recent weeks, as the South American star is supposedly determined to prove his worth to new Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup.
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Arsenal are still monitoring the situation surrounding Rodrygo’s future, but they are not putting all their eggs in the Brazilian basket in case he proves unattainable.
Instead, a report from Fichajes suggests that former Manchester City player Brahim Díaz has been identified as a suitable option.
Brahim Díaz – an experienced reserve player with a Premier League background
Díaz has been part of Real Madrid for over six years, after leaving Manchester City in the middle of the 2018/19 season – when Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was assistant at the Etihad.
The Moroccan international has delivered a respectable 20 goals and 19 assists in 117 appearances for Los Blancos in all competitions since, including six goals and seven assists in 52 appearances last year.
Still, he has never established himself as a regular starter in the Spanish capital, and he is now entering the final two years of his contract with the 15-time European champions – although an extension is supposedly on the way.
Arsenal willing to pay €50 million
Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay €50 million to bring Brahim Díaz back to the Premier League, where he only played five games under Arteta and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The north London giants are reportedly eyeing the 25-year-old as a “smart” alternative to Rodrygo, although they may have to contend with competition from Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen to secure him.
Suitably flexible – but does he suit Arsenal?
Díaz meets several important criteria for Arteta: he is adaptable in all attacking positions, equally strong on both feet, and has never been injured for more than two months at a time.
But the 25-year-old works best as a “number 10” or on the right wing – positions where Arsenal already have Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri as back-ups for Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.
What Arsenal really need is a left-wing specialist rather than yet another versatile attacker like Díaz. But they may soon have to give up on Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, who looks set to choose Barcelona instead.
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