Arsenal has been given major encouragement in pursuit of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo to solve the left-wing conundrum. Arsenal have been given a major encouragement in their interest in Real Madrid forward Rodrygo. The Spanish side has said they will now entertain a summer transfer for a fee said to be in the range of £70m–£85m. If a deal were to happen, it could potentially provide Mikel Arteta a player who he has sought for a long time. However, it would depend on Martinelli’s future. Moreover, it will also depend on Arsenal’s ability to manage the lengthy and complicated financial and tactical situation.
Real Madrid’s Surprising U-Turn
Rodrygo, once considered untouchable at the Bernabéu, has seen his status diminish under new manager Xabi Alonso. Despite Alonso’s public praise for the Brazilian, Rodrygo started just one of Real Madrid’s four FIFA Club World Cup matches. He is logging only 23 minutes of action. This marginalization follows a season where he scored just six La Liga goals and faced internal criticism over his “motivation levels” in training.
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo has asked Al-Nassr to sign Rodrygo, but the Brazilian winger would prefer a transfer to the Premier League.
Arsenal are considering a move for the Real Madrid star.
(Source: Sky Sports Switzerland) pic.twitter.com/a8x67H2mgF
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 6, 2025
Compounding matters, Rodrygo’s father and agent, Eric Goes, reportedly voiced frustrations that his son’s role was being overshadowed by the star power of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior. These comments “did not go down well” with Madrid’s hierarchy, leading the club to greenlight a transfer if a suitable offer arrives. Rodrygo’s contract runs until 2028, but Madrid now values him at £85m (€100m) and views his exit as a way to fund Alonso’s squad rebuild.
Arsenal’s Strategic Play For Madrid’s Winger
For Arsenal, Rodrygo represents a “game-changing” upgrade on the left wing, where inconsistency plagued their 2024/25 campaign. Arteta has made the 24-year-old his “primary target” for the position, believing his technical flair, versatility across the frontline, and big-game experience (including two Champions League titles) align with the Gunners’ ambitions.
However, the move is contingent on two critical factors:
1. Martinelli’s Departure: Arsenal will only sanction a move for Rodrygo depends on Martinelli’s sale. Bayern Munich and Saudi Pro League clubs have shown interest in the Brazilian. His exit could generate £60m–£70m to offset Rodrygo’s cost.
2. Striker Priority: The club’s budget is on stretch by their pursuit of a marquee No. 9—Benjamin Šeško or Viktor Gyökeres—meaning funds for Rodrygo may require additional sales beyond Martinelli.
Tactical and Financial Hurdles
Rodrygo’s adaptation to the Premier League’s physicality is a minor concern within Arsenal’s hierarchy. But his potential to thrive as a focal point—rather than a supporting act—makes him an enticing gamble. His arrival would also reunite him with compatriots Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Jesus, with the former publicly endorsing the move. “Rodrygo is a phenomenon. I’ve told people already—if it were up to me, of course [I’d sign him].
Financially, Rodrygo’s wages would place him among Arsenal’s top earners. While the Gunners have secured cost-effective deals for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5m) and are advancing moves for midfielder Martín Zubimendi, the total outlay for Rodrygo and a striker could exceed £150m. Sales of Martinelli, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Jakub Kiwior are highly essential to balance the books.
The Verdict
Arsenal’s chances of obtaining Rodrygo are on the up, but the deal is still precarious. Madrid is open to business. Moreover, Rodrygo’s camp has conceded that Rodrygo’s “days in Madrid may be numbered” gives something tangible to believe in. Their eyes are on separate targets, such as Nico Williams, Anthony Gordon, and Eberechi Eze. However, there will be an easy way for Arsenal to pivot should Martinelli remain or if Madrid’s demands increase.
With the summer transfer window ramping-up, the Rodrygo transfer saga will provide some intrigue, but certainly a test of the intelligence of Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta. If all goes well, Rodrygo could tip the scales for Arsenal from, just a contender, to champions.
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