Arsenal Eye Real Madrid’s Star Amid No.9 Search | OneFootball

Arsenal Eye Diaz as Rodrygo Pursuit Ends: Depth or Distraction in the Transfer Market?

Arsenal’s summer transfer activity has yet to ignite, but their ambitions remain unmistakable. Following a valiant yet ultimately incomplete title push last season, Mikel Arteta’s side finds itself linked to numerous high-profile names. As reported by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, the Gunners have now turned their attention to Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz after being rebuffed in their attempts to sign Rodrygo.

Arsenal’s Rodrygo Chase Falls Short

Despite the clamour for a proven No.9, much of Arsenal’s early transfer focus appeared to be aimed at Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. But Xabi Alonso, newly installed at the Bernabeu, swiftly shut down speculation, stating the Brazilian winger is firmly in his plans and that “there are currently no plans to sell.”

Photo: IMAGO

That statement forced a pivot in Arsenal’s strategy. Defensa Central now claims Arteta has instructed sporting director Andrea Berta to explore a move for Brahim Diaz instead. The report suggests Arsenal are prepared to bid around €50million (£42m) for the 24-year-old Morocco international.

Diaz Offers Versatility but Raises Questions

On paper, Diaz looks like an astute option. “The Morocco international is certainly more versatile than Rodrygo, having featured in five different positions for Real this past season.” His tally of 52 appearances, primarily as a right winger, also includes outings on the left flank and even ten showings in a central attacking midfield role. He recorded six goals and seven assists in a season that was largely underwhelming for Madrid.

Photo: IMAGO

Versatility can be a blessing or a burden. While Diaz could offer cover or rotation across Arsenal’s forward line, there are concerns about redundancy. Bukayo Saka is one of Europe’s most consistent right-wingers, while Martin Ødegaard remains a pivotal figure as the No.10. As Defensa Central notes, “spending £42m on a back-up player does not make an awful lot of sense for a side who have greater needs elsewhere.”

Striker Search Still Dominates Priorities

The most pressing issue for Arsenal remains unresolved. Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus exposed a vulnerability in attack that arguably cost them silverware. Despite links to Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, no deal has been concluded.

TEAMtalk reports that Sporting CP’s valuation of Gyokeres, exceeding £57m, has paused talks. Meanwhile, Arsenal “remain keen on RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko,” and “there is even a chance they renew their interest in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins in the coming weeks.”

It’s telling that Diaz’s arrival wouldn’t solve Arsenal’s central goalscoring problem. While he could fill gaps, he isn’t a striker, nor is he known for consistently producing decisive moments in the final third. That makes this potential signing feel more like a luxury than a necessity.

Caution Advised with Transfer Sources

While the news from Defensa Central makes for interesting reading, it’s important to note that “Defensa Central are not a particularly reliable outlet when it comes to transfer speculation.” Arsenal’s transfer policy has grown increasingly strategic under Edu and Arteta, with major funds typically reserved for priority acquisitions.

This summer’s challenge is clear: add firepower, not just flair. Until Arsenal resolve their No.9 conundrum, supporters are right to view every wide forward signing with scepticism.

Our View – EPL Index

There’s no denying Brahim Diaz is a technically gifted footballer. Any player capable of filling five different roles in one season for Real Madrid demands respect. But as an Arsenal supporter, you can’t help but question the timing and the logic behind this move.

We need goals, not just glimpses of creativity. Diaz might bring flair and unpredictability, but with Martinelli, Trossard, Ødegaard and Saka already battling for those spaces, it feels like buying an expensive extra when the main course is still missing. “Striker still Arsenal’s priority” is the real headline here.

That said, there’s something exciting about a player with Diaz’s CV. A former Manchester City prodigy, he has a point to prove and could thrive in the Premier League’s tempo. But not at the expense of getting the centre-forward we so desperately need. If this deal happens before a striker arrives, expect the Emirates to get a little restless.

Let’s just hope this is part of a broader plan, not a panic switch. We’ve seen too many transfer windows lost chasing the wrong profiles. It’s time to be ruthless and strategic. This season could be ours — but only with the right signings in the right positions.