Rumour: Arsenal eye Spanish hitman

Arsenal could be set to hijack Zenit St Petersburg’s move for Benfica strikerRodrigo. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo report that Arsene Wenger is keen on signing him on loan until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent deal, despite Benfica already having agreed a fee with Zenit.

Benfica are in a precarious financial position and are keen to sell Rodrigo in order to raise funds. The club had agreed a fee with Zenit for the Brazilian born striker earlier in the window, but the £25 million move has stalled since then.

This could allow Arsenal to hijack the deal. Whilst Benfica would prefer to raise cash with an immediate sale, they could allow him to join the Gunners if they believe that they can make more money on him in the summer.

Arsene Wenger is keen to bring in attacking reinforcements in order to sustain his side’s push for the Premier League title. The club are currently relying on Olivier Giroud to lead the line, but are light on cover.

Injuries to Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner have heightened the issue and, with moves for fellow targets Alvaro Morata and Diego Costa looking unlikely, Wenger could move for Rodrigo to fire his side towards a first trophy since 2005.