Arsenal - Gabriel Magalhães
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has thrown his support behind the club’s interest in signing Real Madrid winger Rodrygo during the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta is eager to strengthen his squad with a versatile attacker, in addition to a new striker, as the Gunners look to mount another title challenge next season. Rodrygo has emerged as a high-profile target, with Arsenal and Chelsea both expressing interest in the Brazilian international.
Signed by Madrid in 2018 from Santos for €45 million (£39.3m), Rodrygo has developed into one of the club’s key attacking players. The 24-year-old has won 13 trophies with Los Blancos, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns. He finished the 2024/25 campaign with 14 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.
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Despite his contributions, Madrid are reportedly considering selling Rodrygo this summer, with the forward set for talks with incoming head coach Xabi Alonso to clarify his future. The Spanish giants are believed to be demanding around €80 million (£67.5m) for the Brazilian forward.
Arsenal - Rodrygo Goes
Rodrygo (Image credit: Getty Images)
Speaking on thePodpah Podcast, Gabriel, who plays alongside Rodrygo for Brazil, endorsed the potential move and said he would welcome his international teammate at the Emirates.
“I don’t [know if Arsenal will sign him], not really,” Gabriel said. “But I’d like it, obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He’s not at Arsenal… If it depended on me, I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon. His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course.”
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Rodrygo’s future remains uncertain, though Alonso offered a vote of confidence in the player when asked about him last month.
“Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player, and I will speak with everyone who is part of Real Madrid,” said Alonso. “Rodrygo is a spectacular player and we will need him. He deserves it, and so do we.”
Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo comes amid an ambitious summer recruitment drive, with the club also pursuing a top striker and further reinforcements as they look to build on back-to-back second-place finishes in the Premier League.
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