The real reason 'maverick' Andrea Berta doesn't want to sign Rodrygo at Arsenal has been revealed

Arsenal are still looking to add another attacking player to their ranks after completing the signing of Viktor Gyokeres.

Myles Lewis-Skelly is excited about Gyokeres and the Swedish international is expected to complete his transfer to the Gunners with enough time to take some part in the Asia pre-season tour.

Mikel Arteta’s side kicked off their preparations for the new season with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan but once again lacked creativity in the final third throughout the match.

Arsenal have been linked with Rodrygo from Real Madrid, a player that could add real pace and energy to the front line. However, transfer chief Andrea Berta doesn’t want to pursue a deal and the reason has just been revealed.

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Photo by Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images

€90m Rodrygo fee doesn’t include wages and agent fees

Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘Latte Firm’ podcast, journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Berta does not see any real ‘value’ in pursuing a move for Rodrygo.

Real Madrid are open to selling the Brazilian and would demand a fee of €90m, but that only tells half the story according to Jacobs.

Jacobs stated: “That’s Andrea Berta in the market, he’s a bit of a maverick. With Rodrygo we have to be cautious and that’s because a super agent who I won’t name is working on this deal and naturally if Rodrygo leaves that super agent is going to be able to cash in.

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“So a lot of people are saying we have engaged with the Rodrygo camp but that’s not my understanding, he’s on holiday in America and he’s only going to have a meeting with Xabi Alonso late this week or early next week to clarify his future.

If the player says he wants to leave then a transfer is possible, Real Madrid are open to selling for €90m but you’ve got the wage and the agent fees so Arsenal don’t see a great deal of value in this one.”

With the Gunners having already spent close to £200m in this summer’s window, player sales are going to be the next priority on Berta’s list.

He simply will not entertain having to pay in excess of €100m for a player that as of yet, is unproven in the Premier League.

Arsenal should target Premier League proven players like Eberechi Eze or Anthony Gordon

If Arsenal can generate the funds from player sales then they would be wise to sign a player that has proven themselves in English football.

Reiss Nelson is wanted by Fulham and there has been interest in the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira already this window.

Therefore, the Gunners have spoken to Eberechi Eze about a possible move to North London and the player is very keen to make the switch.

Another player the club admire is Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, a player that has tormented Arteta’s side in recent matches against the Toon.

It has been an excellent window so far for Berta and the club, they now need to put the icing on the cake with one more signing that can make the difference in the final third of the pitch.

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