Arsenal target WORLD CLASS solution to Gyokeres problem with €200m transfer plan

Suraj Radia

• 12 Dec 2025 06:02 GMT
• 4 min read

News

Arsenal have identified two world-class talents to strengthen their attack in 2026 as they look to win their first Premier League title in more than 20 years and build a dynasty under Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners sit top of the Premier League and Arteta’s side are confident they can see out their title challenge after three straight years of finishing second, having spent nearly €300 million in the summer to address key long-term squad issues.

Arguably the most important acquisition was the signing of Viktor Gyokeres to finally give Arteta specialist number nine with a proven goal record, however the Swedish hot-shot has only netted three times in his last 14 matches across all competitions.

Despite his slow start, Arsenal are said to still have faith in Gyokeres and are not immediately looking to sign a new striker but instead could target other attackers to help get the best out of the 27-year-old.

And, according to CaughtOffside, Rafael Leao of Milan and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo are the two names that ‘feature most high on Arsenal’s list’ and have been regularly monitored for many years by the Gunners.

Compared

Rodrygo

F (R), M (RL)

Real Madrid

Rodrygo

F (R), M (RL)

Real Madrid

VS

Rafael Leão

F (CL), M (L)

Milan

Rafael Leão

F (CL), M (L)

Milan

€75.2M	ETV	€68.9M
€67.7M - €82.8M	ETV Range	€62M - €75.8M
24 years old (09 Jan, 2001)	Age	26 years old (10 Jun, 1999)
Brazil	Nationality	Portugal

Both players could emerge as concrete options for Arsenal in the coming months, particularly if the likes of Gabriel Jesus or Gabriel Martinelli leave the club as Arteta prepares to get ruthless to ensure his side cement themselves as the best team in the Premier League.

Arsenal ready to take chance on elite talent in attack

Rodrygo had heavily been linked to Arsenal last summer before the Brazilian opted to stay at Real Madrid but he has made just three starts in La Liga this season and would consider an exit again next summer.

Leao, meanwhile, has long-been linked with a move to the Premier League but Milan’s asking price has often deterred teams, along with question marks over the 26-year-old's consistency in front of goal.

However, despite concerns over the form of both players, their ability is undeniable and Arsenal are keen to add more pedigree to their side with a belief that Arteta is capable of getting the best out of their talent, although signing both players would command an outlay of close to €200m based on their ETVs (Expected Transfer Values.)

Much will depend on how much money Arsenal can raise through sales next year after their heavy spending during the summer and whether they can cash in on their current attacking crop to build around Arteta’s new-look attack by adding more elite players to their ranks.

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