Arsenal are lining up an £18million bid for Benfica striker Rodrigo in case Gunners ace Robin van Persie leaves in the summer, according to reports.
The Daily Mail claims that Arsenal are "scouring the market for alternatives" for Van Persie should the Dutchman get his head turned by reported interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Van Persie has been in scintillating form this season scoring 28 goals across all competitions which has led to several newspapers in Spain - including Marca - suggesting the player is looking at a new challenge in his career.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has since rubbished the reports maintaining there had been no contact from Real Madrid or Barcelona over Van Persie - and that any advances for his star player would be rejected.
However, with Van Persie out of contract at the end of next season, the Daily Mail insists that Wenger will go for Spain Under 21 striker Rodrigo as a potential replacement for the Dutchman.
Wenger is known to have a keen eye for spotting emerging talent and among the players he is credited to have developed into world beaters includes current Spain and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
Arsenal also recently signed Spain youth international Jon Toral to professional terms which appears to give weight to the argument that the Frenchman sees his priorities in the transfer market with youth signings rather than splurging millions on already established stars.
The 17-year-old Catalan-born attacking midfielder won his contract after shining at the Gunners' academy following his move from Barcelona last summer as a scholar.
However, Rodrigo won't come cheap as he has an £18million release clause in his contract and Benfica are unlikely to let him go for anything less with Inter Milan also interested in their forward.
The strength of depth in Arsenal's forward line has been a cause for concern this season which pushed the club to re-sign legendary striker Thierry Henry on loan during the January transfer window.
Henry's final game of his loan spell with Arsenal will be at AC Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday.
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