Real Madrid forward told he can become an ‘absolute superstar’ at Arsenal

Emmanuel Petit would love Real Madrid forward Rodrygo at Arsenal and says the Brazilian can become an ‘absolute superstar’ at the Premier League club.

Rodrygo has scored 57 goals in 229 appearances since joining Spanish giants Real Madrid from Santos in 2019.

The 23-year-old failed to reach double digits in each of his first three seasons at the Bernabeu but scored 19 in all competitions in 2022-23 and another 17 last year as Real Madrid won La Liga and the Champions League.

Real handed Rodrygo a contract extension over the summer, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2028, but Petit hopes one of his former clubs pulls off an audacious move to secure his signature.

‘Arsenal need to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid,’ Petit told Genting Casino. ‘He’s so underrated and gets overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

‘He reminds me a bit of Sylvain Wiltord when I was at Arsenal. I really think he would be a star at the Emirates and be an amazing player who can play across all three positions across the front line.

‘I know he was asked about Mbappe and Vinicius Jr the other day and he responded: “I am Rodrygo, look at what I did last season?”

‘This guy is so underrated and perhaps he feels like is being overshadowed at Real Madrid?

‘In any case, he could be an absolute superstar for Arsenal and I rate him very much. He scores goals, gives assists and gives great energy on the pitch.’

Rodrygo, who has 31 caps for Brazil, has scored three goals in 13 appearances for Real Madrid so far this season.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are currently second in La Liga – three points behind high-flying Barcelona – and 12th in the new Champions League format following an impressive 5-2 comeback win over Borussia Dortmund.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are third in the Premier League – four points behind early leaders Liverpool, who they face this weekend – and ninth in the Champions League.

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