Berta loves him: Arsenal to make €20m bid for ‘next Pedri’ in January

A January bid from Arsenal for Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza is “possible,” according to Ben Jacobs.

The Spanish youngster has attracted the attention of various top European clubs with his performances for promoted LaLiga outfit Elche this term. A product of the club’s youth academy, Mendoza has really burst onto the scene this term.

Mendoza is a Spain U21 international, but he was allowed to train with La Roja’s senior team for a bit earlier this season, after which he was compared to Pedri by none other than the Barcelona superstar himself.

Naturally, then, suitors are lining up to sign him, especially as he will be quite affordable. His release clause is worth just €20 million, making him a potential bargain if he remains on his current trajectory.

Initially reported in Spain and since confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on Mendoza and have scouted him in the flesh numerous times in recent weeks.

Mendoza to Arsenal ‘possible’ in January

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, it is “possible” that Arsenal make a move for the 20-year-old in the January window, having pivoted their transfer approach from signing ready-made first-teamers to younger players. Director Andrea Berta, in particular, is a fan of Mendoza.

“Yeah, something could be possible here,” Jacobs told Betway. “There is a release clause set at €20 million, which is about £17.5m. Several clubs, including Arsenal, have been scouting the player in October and November in particular.

“So there could be a possibility that offers come for the Elche player in the winter market. There’s also interest from both Italy and La Liga as well. But from Arsenal’s point of view, having done a major revamp in several positions in the summer window, what they are now looking to do is add some younger players for the future.

“That could be players who are part of the first-team plans and squad. An example of that is obviously Cristhian Mosquera, who’s done excellent, but they could also be the kind of players that bed in and take a season or two to develop before getting significant first-team opportunities.

“What Arsenal, and Andrea Berta in particular, like about Mendoza is that he offers power and height in the centre of the park, and he has excellent tactical acumen as well. This is a player that can really be the engine room of a side and is potentially one for both the present and the future.

“But we’re certainly seeing a point of difference in Arsenal’s recruitment between the summer and 2026. Summer was about first-teamers, many of whom could be dropped straight into the starting line-up, such as Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze or Viktor Gyokeres.

“Now Arsenal are looking a little bit younger and trying to sign some of the top talents that are either teenagers or, alternatively, in their early twenties.”

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