Arsenal have reportedly decided whether to pursue a summer deal for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
Despite currently being in line for a third successive second-placed finish in the Premier League table and reaching the Champions League semi-finals, it has been well-documented that a new striker could arrive at the Emirates Stadium.
Although Kai Havertz is viewed as a valuable option by Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Jesus has dropped down the pecking order and is currently sidelined with a knee injury.
With new sporting director Andrea Berta now at the helm, plans are being put in place regarding preferred transfer targets for when the market re-opens in June.
In recent weeks, Rodrygo is a name that has been associated with Arsenal courtesy of having failed to produce his usual form for Real Madrid.
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What is Arsenal's Rodrygo decision?
A previous report suggests that Los Blancos may demand in the region of £85m if any club expresses a strong interest in acquire the Brazil international's signature.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal are now prepared to move away from the race for the versatile attacker.
As well as having no intention of shelling out that fee for the 24-year-old, Arsenal would seemingly prefer to allocate their transfer funds to other areas of the pitch.
Despite being capable of playing down the middle of the attack, Rodrygo is generally regarded as a winger, a position where Arteta already has plenty of options.
Furthermore, the North Londoners would struggle to justify paying such a fee when Rodrygo has chipped in with just one goal and one assist in La Liga and Champions League fixtures since the start of February.
Illness has kept him out of the last two fixtures, with incoming head coach Xabi Alonso left with a decision to make over where he sees Rodrygo in the pecking order.
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Arsenal chasing alternatives?
Over the past 36 hours, it has been claimed that Arsenal may be prepared to step up their attempts to sign Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres.
With the free-scoring Sweden international valued somewhere in the region of £60m and £65m, moving for him would make more sense than spending big on Rodrygo.
Darren Plant
