Arsenal has shown interest in Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, who has made a strong impression during his inaugural season in LaLiga, according to sources from ESPN.
Before joining Elche, Mendoza played two seasons in Segunda División and developed through the club’s youth system after arriving in 2019. Now aged 20, he has represented Spain at various youth levels, including U17 to U21.
Here’s a closer look at Mendoza’s journey…
Rodrigo Mendoza’s Path to LaLiga
Born in Molina de Segura, located in the Murcia region of Spain, Mendoza played for EF Altorreal, EF San Miguel, and Ranero CF before signing with Elche in 2019.
He made his first team debut in November 2022, coming on for Josan during a 3-0 away victory in the Copa del Rey against CD L’Alcora. However, Elche’s relegation from LaLiga in the 2022-23 season delayed his debut in the top flight.
Over the next two seasons, Mendoza became a key player, demonstrating versatility as both an attacking midfielder and a deeper playmaker. He made 44 league appearances in the Segunda División across two seasons, scoring twice.
Although Elche had a disappointing 11th place finish in the 2023-24 Segunda División, they secured promotion to LaLiga after finishing as runners-up to Levante in 2024-25.
Mendoza has played a significant role early in the 2025-26 LaLiga season, with Elche managing three wins, seven draws, and three losses in their first 13 matches, although he was an unused substitute in the recent 2-2 draw against Real Madrid on November 23.
Rodrigo Mendoza’s International Experience with Spain
Mendoza has been representing Spain since the U17 level and recently participated in the FIFA U20 World Cup, playing the full 90 minutes in all five of Spain’s matches.
The Spanish side advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing third in Group C behind future champions Morocco and Mexico. They secured a round of 16 victory against Ukraine with Mendoza assisting Pablo García for the only goal. Unfortunately, they were eliminated 3-2 by Colombia in the quarter-finals.
Current Status of Arsenal’s Interest in Rodrigo Mendoza
Arsenal has been monitoring Mendoza’s progress closely but has yet to make an official offer to Elche.
Potential Fit for Rodrigo Mendoza at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has clear roles defined for midfielders in his 4-3-3 system, likely envisioning Mendoza for a more advanced position.
Currently, Arteta’s ‘six’ role is filled by Martín Zubimendi, who maintains possession from deep, while Declan Rice serves as a box-to-box ‘eight’ on the left. On the right-side in a number 10 role, Martin Ødegaard or Eberechi Eze often intertwine with Bukayo Saka and the striker.
On paper, Mendoza could slot into the Ødegaard or Eze role, although Arteta experimented with deploying both playmakers earlier in the season against Newcastle, pairing them with Rice as a holding midfielder before Ødegaard’s injury halted that option.
For the current season, it’s more likely that Mendoza would serve as a backup, especially considering the limited opportunities in crucial matches.
While Arsenal seeks technically skilled midfielders, Mendoza would face competition from the already limited-playing-time Ethan Nwaneri for a spot in the first team.
The potential for squad depth and raw talent, particularly at a reasonable price, will likely influence Arsenal’s considerations for a winter transfer involving Mendoza.
Information contributed by ESPN’s James Olley.