Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly making a strong push to bring Real Madrid forward Rodrygo to the Emirates Stadium this summer, as the Gunners look to strengthen their frontline ahead of the 2025/26 season.
According to The Athletic journalist Mario Cortegana, Arteta is “convinced” that the 24-year-old Brazilian would be a transformative addition to his squad. Rodrygo has become a top target for Arsenal as uncertainty grows over his future at the Santiago Bernabéu, despite a productive campaign in which he registered 13 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances.
Sources close to the situation suggest Arteta sees Rodrygo as the ideal left-wing option to reinvigorate Arsenal’s attack, which has struggled with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. The Brazilian’s ability to operate on the left flank or centrally fits neatly into Arteta’s tactical vision, with the Arsenal boss reportedly promising the player a prominent role in his system.
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Though Arteta has not mentioned Rodrygo by name, his recent comments alluded to an ambitious transfer strategy. “If you want to win titles, you have to be the best in the market. We need a goal threat and firepower,” he told reporters, underlining the club’s intent to bring in elite talent following a trophyless 2024/25 campaign.
Arsenal are interested in signing Real Madrid forward Rodrygo this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)
Rodrygo’s position at Real Madrid has become increasingly precarious, largely due to the arrivals of Kylian Mbappé and the continued form of Vinícius Júnior. Pushed out of his preferred role on the left, Rodrygo has spent much of the season playing on the right wing or starting from the bench, a situation that has reportedly left him frustrated.
Despite a strong start to the season, the Brazilian has scored just once in his last 22 games, leading to questions about his long-term role under new manager Xabi Alonso. Rodrygo is expected to hold talks with Alonso and Real Madrid officials after the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 18 to clarify his future. Spanish outlet Marca reports that the club has challenged him to prove his worth during the tournament, which may influence whether he stays or leaves this summer.
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Negotiations between clubs are complicated. Arsenal reportedly made an initial bid of €70 million (£59 million), which was rejected by Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are said to value Rodrygo at €100 million (£84 million), and while his contract runs until 2028, it includes an astronomical release clause of £845 million. Adding to the complexity are Rodrygo’s wage demands, reportedly £250,000 per week, a figure Arsenal are hesitant to match.
🚨BREAKING: Mikel Arteta is IN LOVE with Rodrygo.
The coach carefully studied Rodrygo, and he is TOTALLY CERTAIN that Rodrygo would be a SUPERSTAR at Arsenal, playing on the LEFT wing.
Arteta really, really wants Arsenal to sign Rodrygo this summer.
[@MarioCortegana] pic.twitter.com/zcQgCxpvYL
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) June 11, 2025
Competition for the Brazilian’s signature is growing. Bayern Munich have also expressed interest, while Liverpool and Manchester City are keeping tabs on the situation. However, Arsenal’s pursuit is described as the most concrete, with Arteta personally championing the move. A speculative swap deal involving Arsenal centre-back William Saliba was floated by Defensa Central, but that suggestion has been widely dismissed given Saliba’s status as a cornerstone of the Gunners’ defence.
Rodrygo is one of several wide forwards on Arsenal’s radar, alongside Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, and Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané. Nonetheless, Rodrygo’s Champions League and La Liga pedigree makes him a standout target.
Arsenal are also working to sign a new striker, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres among the leading candidates. Arteta is eager to boost his attacking options after a season disrupted by injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
On social media platform X, Arsenal fans are divided over the pursuit. While many are excited at the prospect of signing a world-class attacker like Rodrygo, others have raised concerns over the financial implications of the deal, especially in light of Financial Fair Play constraints.