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Champions League rival make Arsenal target available for £42m as Arteta hunts for forward

Real Madrid are reportedly ready to sell Arsenal transfer target Rodrygo this summer, with the Brazilian forward having been pushed further down the pecking order at the Bernabeu

Adam Cailler Senior reporter and Reddit team lead and Sam Smith

21:31, 07 Jul 2025Updated 21:31, 07 Jul 2025

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, acknowledges the fans after the teams 1-0 victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arteta is desperate for a striker(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Real Madrid are allegedly 'holding out' for a deal that could indirectly enhance Arsenal's chances of securing forward Rodrygo from Los Blancos. Mikel Arteta is eager to bolster his squad with another forward, alongside Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with the Brazilian, who has found himself further down the pecking order at the Bernabeu in recent months. Madrid could do with the cash injection, having splashed out on a raft of signings this summer.

Xabi Alonso has already been backed with nearly £100million in summer signings, and more deals are expected as the Spanish titans aim to reclaim La Liga next season.

Rodrygo

Arsenal have been linked with Rodrygo(Image: Getty)

Spanish outlet Diario AS reports that Madrid are 'holding out' for Benfica's £42m-rated left-back Alvaro Carreras. This is despite having other options for the position, including a bargain deal for their former star, Miguel Guttierez.

Madrid would reportedly prefer to sign Carreras, but Benfica's asking price is proving to be a hurdle. The Portuguese club are insisting on the full release clause for the ex-Manchester United player, reports the Express.

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If Madrid proceed with the deal, it could be pivotal in Arsenal's quest for another forward. Eager to recoup funds following the potential acquisition of Carreras, Rodrygo is one of their most marketable assets, capable of fetching a hefty fee.

Alvaro Carreras

Real Madrid want Alvaro Carreras(Image: Getty)

Rodrygo, with three years left on his contract, is reportedly worth around £77m. If Real Madrid signs Carreras in the coming weeks, they could still make a profit if they decide to sell Rodrygo.

Arsenal is allegedly looking for another forward to strengthen their attack, in addition to Gyokeres. Names like Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, and Eberechi Eze have been linked to the club, alongside Rodrygo.

However, Rodrygo might be the most feasible option for Arsenal. Real Madrid is unlikely to reject a significant offer for the 24 year old, especially if they secure Carreras.

Rodrygo has been left on the bench in Madrid's last two Club World Cup matches. The emergence of 21 year old Gonzalo Garcia as a viable option for Alonso in the tournament has increased competition for Rodrygo.

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Alonso stated: "I'm sure Rodrygo can return to his best form. I spoke with him - he's positive, eager, and ready when needed."

It's uncertain whether Arsenal will pursue Rodrygo, but Real Madrid's interest in another high-profile signing could make the deal more achievable.

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