Berta chases ‘explosive’ Spanish forward in £48m deal as ‘frustrated’ star plots exit

Arsenal have turned to Spanish sensation Jesus Rodriguez in search of their new left winger, according to a report, while a Gunners star is reportedly preparing for a summer transfer.

Arsenal have long been linked with signing a new left striker to replace Gabriel Martinelli, and they are expected to finally make such a move this summer.

Anthony Gordon, Yan Diomande and Nico Williams are all potential targets, although a new name has appeared on Arsenal’s radar…

Jesus Rodriguez attracts attention from Arsenal

Both Arsenal and Manchester City are keen to sign Spanish U21 starlet Rodriguez from Como, Sports boom claim.

Rodriguez is thriving under the guidance of former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas, who is Como’s head coach.

The 20-year-old has become “one of Europe’s most sought-after inverted wingers” thanks to his “explosive power, raw athleticism and elite technical abilities.”

Arsenal view Rodriguez as “100% suited to Mikel Arteta’s dynamic attacking system”, claims the report.

The city scouts, meanwhile, “gave him top marks.” They appear to be planning for the future by targeting Rodriguez and 21-year-old Lens central defender Samson Baidoo.

Como chiefs consider Rodriguez a ‘jewel’ in their team and therefore have no intention of letting him leave on the cheap. Arsenal or City will have to pay between €45 million and €55 million (£39 million to £48 million) to bring him to England.

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A worrying exit request

Football Insider report that Arsenal star all-rounder Myles Lewis-Skelly is ‘frustrated’ and ‘could leave’ the Emirates at the end of the season.

The English talent, who can play as a left-back or central midfielder, needs more minutes to continue his development.

It is suggested that Lewis-Skelly could ‘force’ a transfer, with a loan exit seen as the ‘most likely’ solution.

This would see Lewis-Skelly follow in the footsteps of compatriot Ethan Nwaneri, currently on loan at Marseille.

Lewis-Skelly has been linked with a controversial move to Chelsea on numerous occasions, although Arsenal are extremely unlikely to let one of their best young players join a London rival.

Benfica target named

Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have all converged on Benfica starlet Daniel Banjaqui, we revealed earlier on Saturday.

We understand that Barcelona and Bayern Munich have already held discussions over a potential move for the 17-year-old right-back.

But the chances of Banjaqui moving to England are increasing, with Arsenal, United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur monitoring his situation closely.

Banjaqui has become one of the most high-profile teenagers in Europe after joining Jose Mourinho’s first team in recent months.

Negotiations to extend Banjaqui’s contract have stalled and Benfica are increasingly concerned he will push for a major move.