Arsenal relying on Tottenham favour as Mikel Arteta sweats over £86m transfer offer

Arsenal could reap the benefits of Tottenham doing them a huge favour as Mikel Arteta eyes a statement signing. It has already been a productive window for the Gunners, who have made improvements in a number of key areas. The likes of Victor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke have all moved to the Emirates Stadium since the end of last season.

The arrival of Cristhian Mosquera has provided crucial depth at the back, while Christian Norgaard offers some extra quality and leadership in the engine room. However, there is still work to be done before the window closes at the start of next month. Arsenal are in desperate need of a left-sided attacker to replace Gabriel Martinelli, who is the obvious weak link in the squad.

They were heavily linked with a move for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze but he now looks set to join Tottenham. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 27-year-old has informed Palace chiefs that he wants to join Arsenal's local rivals.

Tottenham have also been tipped to land Manchester City winger Savinho, with negotiations said to be taking place. If they fail to get a deal over the line, it would be good news for Arsenal in more ways than one.

It could allow the Gunners a free hit at Rodrygo, who continues to be linked with a summer move to the Premier League. He appears to be facing an uncertain future at Real Madrid and is thought to be a player of interest to Arsenal.

Manchester City have also been mentioned in connection with Rodrygo over the last few weeks. They are preparing an £86million package which includes around £69m upfront and another £17m in potential add-ons, according to CaughtOffside.

However, the report adds that City will only move for the Brazilian in the event Savinho joins Tottenham. It would, therefore, benefit Arsenal if the latter ends up staying at the Etihad Stadium this summer.

City would no longer need to find a replacement for Savinho, meaning the Gunners could swoop for Rodrygo without having to worry about their Premier League rivals.

Micah Richards urged Arsenal to go for the Real Madrid winger following their narrow victory over Manchester United, saying on Sky Sports: "I still think they're a left winger short or left forward short.

"Although I prefer Madueke on the right-hand side rather than the left, I just look at that position on the left-hand side [and] think if they could sort that. They were linked to Rodrygo, that could solve a lot of problems for them."

Only time will tell if Arsenal decide to take that advice, with just two weeks remaining until the summer transfer window slams shut.

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