“We have accepted their swap deal offer and Rodrygo will join us in return”: Arsenal’s coach Mikel Arteta names the TWO Gunners players who are going to Real Madrid in a swap deal with Rodrygo

Real Madrid are willing to offer Rodrygo in a swap deal to sign Arsenal star William Saliba, according to Defensa Central.

The Gunners have had a busy summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to finally take a step up to becoming Premier League champions following three consecutive runners-up finishes, with all of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres being signed.

But the club are also battling to keep hold of some of their top stars too, including star defender Saliba amid interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Real Madrid Ready Swap Deal for Saliba

The north London outfit have been keen to add to their attacking options further during the window, with Brazilian star Rodrygo earmarked as one of the top targets for Arteta.

However, the winger has yet to make a final decision on his future at the Bernabeu and therefore no deal has been able to progress. Real Madrid are open to his sale, but only if the player pushes or they receive a big offer, but they have now opened the door to another avenue for him to leave.

The La Liga outfit are looking to strengthen in central defence despite already signing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, and Saliba is their top target.

It’s understood that they know a deal will be difficult to do because Arsenal value him so highly and he is one of the best in the world in his position, but they are willing to offer the Gunners Rodrygo, who earns £350,000-a-week, in exchange so that both players can sign a player they want and be happy.

Arsenal are unlikely to accept such a deal at this stage as they hope to convince the Frenchman to sign a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium, but that hasn’t put Madrid off at this stage.

A deal would be considered to be complicated and unlikely currently, and that’s why Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate has emerged as a prime target too as he is into the final 12 months of his contract and is a much easier deal to complete, even if the 14-time European champions have to wait until next season to do so.