Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to pay in excess of £103m in order to sign Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka this summer, with the Englishman regarded as a potential replacement for Rodrygo.
Saka missed a lot of football earlier this season due to a hamstring issue, but he has still made 30 appearances for the Gunners during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering 14 assists in the process.
The 23-year-old was a standout player for Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and he got his name on the scoresheet in the second leg of the last-eight affair against Real Madrid, with his performance even more impressive considering that he missed an early penalty in the clash at Bernabeu.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid are huge admirers of Saka, with senior figures at the club alerted by his performance against them in the European Cup.
The report claims that Los Blancos view Saka as the perfect replacement for Rodrygo, with the 24-year-old Brazilian, who is thought to be on Chelsea's radar, potentially on the move during this summer's transfer window.
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Real Madrid 'eyeing summer deal for Saka'
Liverpool and Manchester City are also believed to be keeping a close eye on Rodrygo's situation, but Vinicius Junior is seemingly set to sign a new long-term deal at Bernabeu.
Vinicius' future has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, with clubs from the Saudi Pro League believed to be willing to pay him an astronomical salary to move to the division.
However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Vinicius is preparing to pen a new long-term deal with the Spanish and European champions, which would end the speculation surrounding his future.
Real Madrid are also said to be admirers of Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, but it is understood that Saka's performance in the quarter-finals of the Champions League has seen him rise to the top of their list.
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How much would a deal for Saka cost?
Los Blancos are allegedly willing to pay in excess of £103m for Saka, and if an offer in that region arrives this summer, then Arsenal would have a decision to make, but it is unlikely to be anywhere near enough to convince them to sell.
The Gunners are attempting to become Premier League champions in the near future, and selling Saka would be a monumental blow to their chances of competing again next season, but Real Madrid are a difficult club to ignore.
Offers in the region of £150m would be closer to Saka's market value, and it is not impossible to imagine Los Blancos going to that fee if Rodrygo leaves, as the Brazilian would raise a very healthy transfer fee.
That said, it is difficult to imagine Saka leaving the Emirates Stadium this summer, and Real Madrid may ultimately be forced to look elsewhere, with Nico Williams certainly an interesting option for the club.
Matt Law
