Arsenal and Man City are preparing for the £52million Real Madrid star to hit the market in January

Arsenal and Manchester City are reportedly on alert as a long-term transfer target from Real Madrid is reportedly available in January this year.

The Gunners were not expecting a full January transfer window as they already have a strong squad due to their impressive recruitment both in the summer and in recent seasons at the Emirates.

However, Mikel Arteta has said Arsenal will look to take advantage of opportunities in the transfer market when the right opportunities arise and it appears one of their top long-term targets could be available at a reduced price this month.

When asked about the transfer market and his team’s current injury problems at the end of December, the Arsenal boss said: “We are open to every option.

“Of course it is always much better if we find a solution that is short, medium or long because it gives stability and you don’t have to constantly start a process with a new player.”

Arsenal and Man City “on alert”, Rodrygo provided

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo was linked with Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool in the summer transfer window as his future at the Santiago Bernabeu was uncertain due to his lack of playing time under Xabi Alonso.

However, no move has materialized for the winger, but he is understood to be ready to leave the club in January as he wants a new challenge.

According to Spanish newspaper SPORT, Rodrygo wants to leave Real Madrid and if it were up to him, the Brazilian would leave Real Madrid in the January transfer window instead of waiting for the summer.

The report states that both Arsenal and Man City are “on guard” about the situation, with both having a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old. Furthermore, he is expected to be cheaper than he was in the summer, with his market value having fallen from over £70m to just over £50m now.

The Semenyo deal could allow Rodrygo to join the Gunners

With Manchester City currently working on signing Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, that probably means they won’t be making a move on Rodrygo unless they suddenly change their mind about the Bournemouth star.

This means Arsenal could face Rodrygo in January without competition from their Premier League title rivals.

But Liverpool will also be kept in mind as they look for a long-term replacement for Mo Salah, whose future at the club is very uncertain.

Click here to see the latest Arsenal transfer news during the January transfer window.