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Arsenal pondering a move for Udinese star Rodrigo Becao

By Ritayan Chatterjee on November 25, 2022

Arsenal are reportedly plotting a move for Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao, as per the Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb.

The 26-year-old signed for the Bianconeri back in 2019 and since joining the club he has established himself as a key player at the Dacia Arena. The Brazilian has enjoyed a brilliant start to this campaign, keeping three clean sheets and scoring a solitary goal in nine Serie A appearances so far this term.

The Udinese star has emerged as a potential target for Mikel Arteta’s side in recent weeks. A previous report stated that the Gunners are willing to pay around £13m to sign the defender.

Becao – valued at around €10m (£8m) by Transfermarkt – has 18 months left in his current contract and is yet to sign a renewal with Andrea Sottil’s side.

According to the report by TuttoMercatoWeb, Udinese have already made contact with the player’s representatives over a possible contract extension. However, the Friulians could consider selling their star man in the upcoming transfer window if they receive a significant offer in order to make the most profit out of the 26-year-old’s sale.

Rodrigo Becao to Arsenal

The report further claims Arsenal have expressed their interest in signing Becao. But the north London club are set to face a tough challenge to sign the South American as Premier League rivals Everton and West Ham United as well as Inter Milan are also lining up a move for him.

Becao might not be an ideal signing for Arsenal. Despite being an excellent defender and decent in the air, he lacks qualities in possession. Arteta likes to deploy centre-backs who are comfortable with the ball and has the ability to construct attacks from the back.

However, the Brazilian might struggle to do that against constructive high-pressing teams like Manchester City and Liverpool if he were to join the club. Therefore, he might not be the right addition to play in the Spanish boss’ system.

So, it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal formalise their interest in signing the South American in the upcoming transfer window. I think he is not the right option for the Gunners and they should shift their focus to the other targets.