Arsenal ramps up interest in Rodrygo and plans offer to Real Madrid

The possibility of Rodrygo, Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward, switching clubs in the upcoming transfer window has gained momentum in recent days, with Arsenal, from England, leading the interest. The 24-year-old player was benched for the fifth consecutive match in the Club World Cup during Real Madrid’s loss to PSG in July 2025. The English club, led by manager Mikel Arteta, sees this as an opportunity to sign the former Santos star but awaits a decision from Real Madrid, now coached by Xabi Alonso. The deal, potentially exceeding 90 million euros (approximately $95.7 million), hinges on a meeting between Rodrygo’s representatives and the Spanish club, scheduled for the coming days. Arsenal’s interest reflects their ambition to strengthen the attack for the 2025/26 season, while Real Madrid evaluates its squad’s future.

The uncertainty surrounding Rodrygo began intensifying last season when the Brazilian expressed discomfort over not having a fixed role in the attack. He prefers playing on the left wing, where Vinicius Jr. is an undisputed starter, leading him to mostly play on the right or as a false 9 under Carlo Ancelotti. With Xabi Alonso’s arrival, it was expected that Rodrygo would gain more prominence, but his lack of minutes in the Club World Cup reignited transfer rumors. Arsenal, who finished the 2024/25 Premier League season in second place, views the Brazilian as an ideal addition to complement their attacking setup alongside Bukayo Saka.

• Factors driving Arsenal’s interest:
  • Tactical versatility to play multiple attacking roles.
  • Experience in high-stakes competitions like the Champions League.
  • Youthful yet proven with titles at Real Madrid.
  • Potential for market value growth in England.

Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid is not new. In recent years, he has been targeted by clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool, all from the Premier League, as well as an inquiry from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia in 2025. Despite this, the Brazilian has consistently reiterated his desire to stay at the Spanish club, where he is under contract until June 2028.

A new chapter for Rodrygo?
Arsenal is not the only club monitoring Rodrygo’s situation. Chelsea and Manchester City are also keeping tabs on the player, according to European sports outlets. However, the Gunners appear to be in the lead, having already made preliminary contacts with the forward’s representatives. Real Madrid’s initial asking price, which could reach 100 million euros ($106.3 million), poses a challenge, but Arsenal is willing to make a significant investment. To facilitate the transfer, Arsenal has offloaded players like Jorginho and Thomas Partey and is planning further deals to balance their finances.

Rodrygo, a Santos academy product, joined Real Madrid in 2019 at age 18 for 45 million euros. Since then, he has won three Champions League titles, two Spanish league titles, and other trophies, establishing himself as one of Brazil’s top players. In the 2024/25 season, he played 51 matches, scoring 14 goals and providing 9 assists—impressive numbers that still did not secure him a guaranteed starting spot. Competition with stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham has limited his prominence, fueling speculation about his departure.

Rodrygo’s preference to play on the left or as a center-forward is a key factor in negotiations. At Arsenal, he could find the role he seeks, especially in Arteta’s system, which values versatile and pacey players. Spanish media reports indicate that the Brazilian would not oppose a transfer, provided he can choose his destination.

Xabi Alonso’s role in the decision
Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Real Madrid, following Carlo Ancelotti’s move to the Brazilian national team, brought new perspectives to the squad. The Spanish coach has signaled internally that he counts on Rodrygo for the 2025/26 season, but the player’s lack of minutes in the Club World Cup suggests he still needs to earn the new manager’s trust. A meeting between Alonso and Rodrygo’s team, set for after the tournament, will be pivotal in clarifying his future.

Real Madrid faces a dilemma. Selling Rodrygo could fund new signings, such as PSG’s midfielder Vitinha, valued at 90 million euros. With Luka Modric nearing retirement, the need for midfield renewal is growing, and the club sees the Portuguese player as an ideal replacement. This strategy, which gained traction during the Club World Cup, reflects Real Madrid’s ambition to maintain European dominance.

• Possible destinations for Rodrygo in the Premier League:
  • Arsenal: seeking a winger for Arteta’s project.
  • Manchester City: views the Brazilian as a replacement for Jack Grealish.
  • Chelsea: monitoring but without concrete progress.

Financial and salary challenges
Rodrygo’s high salary is another complicating factor. According to English media, the player has requested 10 million euros net per year (about $10.6 million annually or $885,000 monthly), a figure above Arsenal’s salary cap. The club’s highest earner, Kai Havertz, makes 9 million euros annually. To make the transfer feasible, Arsenal would need to adjust its financial structure, something Mikel Arteta seems open to, given his enthusiasm for the Brazilian.

The transfer window, officially opening on June 1 and running until July 10 for the Club World Cup, will be a critical period. Arsenal plans to wait until the tournament concludes to advance talks, but competition from other clubs could speed up the process. Spanish media notes that Rodrygo has asked to pause negotiations until the Club World Cup ends, focusing on his role at Real Madrid.

Track record of success and versatility
Rodrygo is Real Madrid’s third-highest-scoring Brazilian, trailing only Vinicius Jr. and Ronaldo Fenômeno. In the Champions League, he ranks among the top five Brazilian scorers and for the club, with decisive performances in key moments. His versatility—able to play as a winger, false 9, or even attacking midfielder—is a major draw for Arsenal, who seek greater attacking consistency.

In the 2024/25 season, Rodrygo was a regular for the Brazilian national team, featuring in the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América. Despite being a substitute at times, his consistency at Real Madrid keeps him prominent internationally. Playing in the Premier League, one of the world’s most competitive leagues, could further boost his visibility.

What to expect from the next transfer window?
Rodrygo’s potential transfer is set to be a major talking point in the upcoming window. Arsenal, who have already signed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as a backup for David Raya, are pursuing other targets, including a center-forward (like RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres) and a midfielder (Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze). Signing Rodrygo would be seen as the “icing on the cake” for their transfer market, according to European media.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid prepares for the remainder of the Club World Cup with Rodrygo still in the squad. His performances in upcoming matches could influence both his stay and a potential transfer. The Spanish club, known for its savvy in major deals, is expected to hold firm, demanding a high fee to release the player.

• Recent Rodrygo timeline at Real Madrid:
  • 2019: Joined the club for 45 million euros.
  • 2022: Key role in Champions League title win.
  • 2024/25: 14 goals and 9 assists in 51 matches.
  • July 2025: Benched in five Club World Cup games.

Rodrygo’s future remains uncertain, but Arsenal’s interest and market activity suggest the Brazilian may be nearing a new chapter in his career. The final decision will depend on talks with Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid’s strategy for the 2025/26 season.