Arsenal targeting 'new Pedri' with bargain release clause as officials 'fly out'

Arsenal are keeping tabs on potential future stars in the transfer market, with Andrea Berta already eyeing up a midfielder who has been likened to Barcelona's Pedri.

Arsenal were busy during the summer transfer window, but the work continues for Andrea Berta, as the sporting director looks ahead to the next few market opportunities.

The Gunners were unusually aggressive in the previous transfer window, spending roughly £250 million to improve the squad depth available to Mikel Arteta. So far, that has been rewarded with results, even with Arsenal's injury troubles, as they sit atop the Premier League at the November international break.

While the squad is stacked with talent, Berta now has a challenge when it comes to which players he will want to move in and out over the months ahead. With that in mind, the recruitment department at Arsenal appear to be especially busy in scouting potential future signings.

That's because, according to Spanish outlet Informacion, Arsenal are among the teams tracking a potential move for Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza. The report states that club officials have even travelled to Spain to keep tabs on the 20-year-old, who has already made nine La Liga appearances after achieving promotion with his club last season.

Mendoza has a release clause in his deal worth a reported €20m (£17.6m), which could make him available for a bargain fee over the coming transfer windows. Arsenal aren't alone in their admiration, however, as the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus have all been linked too.

If those clubs needed any encouragement to make a move, then they may not want to look much further than Pedri. The Barcelona midfielder has likened Mendoza to himself in terms of their style of play, showing exactly what those clubs could have at their disposal.

Who is Rodrigo Mendoza?

Rodrigo Mendoza is a 20-year-old midfielder who plays for Elche. The youngster came through the ranks at the club, making his senior debut in the 2022/23 season in the Copa del Rey.

After suffering relegation to the second tier that campaign, Mendoza was handed more opportunities to shine, making 26 appearances in the 2023/24 season, and 24 appearances in the 2024/25 season - helping Elche achieve promotion in the latter. Now back in La Liga, the midfielder is looking to make his mark, with nine appearances so far and one goal to his name.

Mendoza has also taken the step up to the Spain under-21s national team, where he is a teammate of Arsenal star Cristhian Mosquera. While a new contract was signed back in August, which lasts until 2028, the deal includes a €20m (£17.6m) release clause that could have several teams interested.

It's unclear where exactly he would fit in at Arsenal, however, given the current midfield depth available to Arteta in his squad. Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Christian Norgaard are all battling it out for the two deeper roles available, while Martin Odegaard, Ebere Eze and Ethan Nwaneri are all eyeing up the attacking midfield position.

Mendoza is one for the future, however, and if Arsenal have a plan in mind, they could well make a move after scouting him.