Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race for Rodrygo, with Arsenal’s strong desire to do a deal likely contingent on their ability to make a significant summer sale.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA: Rodrygo of Real Madrid C.F. controls the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group H match between Real Madrid CF and Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium on June 18, 2025. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Gustavo Hofman reports for ESPN in Brazil that Rodrygo ended the 2024/25 campaign in a bad mood, prior to this summer’s Club World Cup. The player wasn’t happy with how he was being used, and he was particularly frustrated with having so few minutes on the left.
The situation hasn’t improved during the Club World Cup, despite the change of head coach to Xabi Alonso. In fact, Rodrygo is playing less than ever, making one start and two substitute appearances in five matches.
Hofman reports that Manchester City, Arsenal, and PSG are all interested in Rodrygo, with PSG entering the race most recently. Rodrygo would ideally like to remain with Real Madrid, but his situation is complicated now that he’s become a bench player for the club.
MADRID, SPAIN: Rodrygo of Real Madrid CF waves the fan prior to the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Back in England, John Cross reports for the Mirror that Rodrygo is Arsenal’s dream target for the wings in the summer window, though he adds that they won’t be able to afford him and all their other deals without making a significant sale.
There had also been talk of rival interest in Rodrygo from Saudi Arabia, but football insider Hand of Arsenal reports that intermediaries for those Saudi clubs have been told that his preference is to move to the Premier League – and ideally to Arsenal.
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 29: Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and CD Leganes at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 29, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
PSG joining the race is certainly a stumbling block, but it seems the main issue is still whether Arsenal can actually afford to do a deal for Rodrygo this summer.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi have already signed, with Christian Norgaard set to join too, advanced talks for Viktor Gyokeres, personal terms agreed with Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke, and strong interest in Eberechi Eze.
Adding Rodrygo would surely be far too expensive for one summer, so unless some names drop off the list Arsenal will definitely have to make some sales.
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