Arsenal have reportedly turned their attention to Rodrygo amid reports Real Madrid are interested in Nico Williams.
The expectation is that Arsenal will sign a striker during the summer transfer window, with Viktor Gyokeres leading the line. However, there’s also a possibility that a move for Rodrygo could materialise, amid reports that he’s 'unhappy' in the Spanish capital.
Sky Sports Germany reporter May 21, 2025 " rel="nofollow" target="_self">Florian Plettenberg has issued an update on the Brazilian, claiming that Arsenal are alert to his situation and are 'now seriously considering' a move.
It's said that talks have already started taking place 'behind the scenes' as the 24-year-old is a potential candidate to depart the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer. Plettenberg also describes the situation as 'difficult' but Arsenal are believed to be exploring all options about a possible transfer.
Meanwhile, Spanish newspaper Marca has highlighted Real Madrid's interest in Williams, suggesting he could finally leave his boyhood club if his reported £49million release clause is triggered. The report states that the Spanish giants have positioned themselves as 'favourites' to sign him.
Arsenal explored signing the 22-year-old last year, but his preference has always been to stay in Spain. His £170,000-a-week salary was also seen as a major stumbling block to a potential move at the time.
Nonetheless, a move for Williams could pave the way for Arsenal to pursue Rodrygo.
Widely regarded as one of Europe’s top wide players, he has been playing out of position on the right in Madrid, while Arsenal could offer him a chance to operate on his preferred left side.
Speaking on ESPN Brazil's F360 program, journalist Gustavo Hofman recently said : "Rodrygo wants to play in his position and is tired of being improvised in other positions, he wants to play on the left.
"What will this lead to? We'll see in the next few days, weeks, next season.
"But this is information I got from people close to him. Rodrygo wants to play in his position, where he has always thrived more."
However, securing his signature would come at a hefty price.
After extending his contract in 2023, Los Blancos reportedly included a €1billion release clause in his contract.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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