Approach made: Arsenal enquire about £85m star who Petit told them to sign

Arsenal have made an enquiry over the signing of a “spectacular” £85m forward who has been linked with an exit from his current club.

Gunners pursuing new forwards

With the Gunners once again falling short in their Premier League title pursuit, there is a feeling that a top striker could be the missing piece of the jigsaw, and they are now stepping up their pursuit of one of their key targets.

Talks have now been held over a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, who could be a more attainable target than Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, with the Magpies very unlikely to be willing to strengthen a direct rival.

Signing a new striker may be the number one priority, but there is also a willingness to strengthen in wide areas this summer, with Mikel Arteta being left a little light on options at times this season, given that Bukayo Saka spent a long time on the treatment table.

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Manchester United’s Antony has now emerged as a surprise target, with the north Londoners reportedly enquiring about the Brazilian, while they have also made an approach for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

That is according to a report from Spain, (via Caught Offside), which states Arsenal have enquired about the terms of a summer deal for the Brazilian, but they have discovered that he will not come cheap, with the Spanish side holding out for €100m (£85m).

Madrid believe they will be able to hold out for a huge fee, given that there is widespread interest in the winger from the Premier League, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United also in the race for his signature.

The desire to sign the 24-year-old comes amid doubts over both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, with the duo not performing at their best this season.

“Spectacular” Rodrygo could become “superstar” at Arsenal

Former Arsenal man Emmanuel Petit is clearly a big fan of the winger, having instructed the Gunners to make a move for him in the past, saying: “He could be an absolute superstar for Arsenal and I rate him very much. He scores goals, gives assists and gives great energy on the pitch.”

The Brazil international has also been lauded as “spectacular” by manager Carlo Ancelotti, and his attacking numbers for Madrid in La Liga over the past few seasons suggest he could make a real impact in Arteta’s side.

The only doubt over the signing of the Madrid star will be the fact he has been on a goal drought in 2025, failing to record a goal contribution in his last 12 La Liga outings.

Rodrygo’s previous exploits indicate that he could still be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, but a fee of £85m is a little on the expensive side, given his current form.