'We need a goal threat' - Mikel Arteta opens up on Arsenal's transfer plans amid talk of summer move for Real Madrid's Rodrygo

Arsenal's inability to push into the final gear in the Premier League has been visible yet again as the Gunners are set to finish second title race for the third straight year. Arteta's side have lacked a killer edge in front of goal in a number of tight affairs, and that has cost them in the Premier League and the Champions League this season. As such, the North Londoners are said to be targeting a striker this summer and have been linked with Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres and also Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.

Rodrygo is said to be unhappy at Real Madrid, with the rise of Jude Bellingham and the signing of Kylian Mbappe, having thrown him down the pecking order. Arteta has revealed that Arsenal do indeed plan to improve their attack heading into the new season, which could hint that links with the Brazilian may be credible.

Speaking to the media, Arteta said: “I think the biggest thing is that, and using the word pride. We have brought the club into a position, into a place that next season: ‘You have to win a major trophy.’

“That means that everybody believes, that we have the level, that we have shown the consistency, and we are an elite team in this country and in Europe. And if you don’t do that, then what’s going to happen? So, for me that’s the biggest statement, that Arsenal is there. If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market, no? The teams that win have the best players, always, always at this level.

“What we have, what is clear as well with the amount of injuries that we had in the front line, that we need a goal threat and we need the firepower out there. Understanding that the context can change tomorrow, you know, and we cannot rely just on the numbers that we had before. And we have to add goal, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions.

Arsenal have already confirmed their second-place finish in the Premier League, and as such, Arteta will be free to try out different combinations as fringe players look to prove their worth to the Gunners' squad. As for Rodrygo, it is said that the Brazilian is waiting to talk to the new Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso before deciding his future with Los Blancos.