Report: Arsenal eye swap deal with William Saliba for Real Madrid's Rodrygo

The Gunners endured another trophyless season, finishing as Premier League runners-up for the third straight year. Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, clinched the title, leaving Mikel Arteta's side in their wake.

Despite a standout 5-1 aggregate thrashing of Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, Arsenal fell to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, piling pressure on Arteta to deliver silverware next term.

Speaking after a 1-0 win over Newcastle, Arteta hinted at a busy summer, saying: "We need players because the squad is really short. We're losing four or five players with contracts and loans ending. We need to be sharp, disciplined, and make sure we're strong next season."

When pressed on the transfer window's importance, he added: "Finish the season, go to the beach, and let the ones upstairs do what they need to do."

Saliba, a cornerstone of Arsenal's defence, has caught Real Madrid's eye, but the Gunners are playing hardball. According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Arsenal have proposed a blockbuster swap deal, offering Saliba for Real Madrid's dynamic winger Rodrygo.

The report claims Arsenal "would be open to letting Saliba leave if it means signing Rodrygo," a move that could transform their attack.

However, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez remains unconvinced. Sources indicate Perez values Rodrygo higher than Saliba, whose contract runs until 2027. "Perez is clear he won't accept the exchange," the report noted, citing Rodrygo's "higher market value" and Saliba's potential value drop if he doesn't renew next year.

Real Madrid see Rodrygo, a Brazil international, as a future global superstar, with "everything to become the best player in the world."

No official comment has surfaced from Arsenal, Arteta, or Saliba on X regarding the rumour.

Real Madrid, flush with attacking talent, might consider cashing in on Rodrygo for 80-100 million euros if he seeks a starring role elsewhere. The club would prefer him to join a non-rival, provided he's "not fully happy" in Madrid.

As the transfer window looms, Arsenal's bold strategy could either ignite their attack or weaken their defence. Fans will be watching closely to see if Arteta's gamble pays off.