Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is open to joining Arsenal and talks have begun over a blockbuster switch, according to TEAMtalk.
The forward is said to be weighing up leaving the Bernabeu in the coming months due to his frustration with his limited game time under Xabi Alonso, having slumped down the pecking order.
After starting just four games this season and being restricted to cameos off the bench, speculation has mounted that Rodrygo could look to move to the Premier League, and a number of elite clubs are circling for his signature.
Top-flight leaders Arsenal are said to be among them and are preparing a bid, but they may have to pay between £70m-£80m to seal the deal.
Real Madrid Reluctant To Sell Rodrygo
Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo
However, a move in January looks unlikely, while Real still view the 24-year-old as part of their plans.
Rodrygo had also eyed up a departure last summer before being persuaded to stay in Madrid, reportedly by the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. But there has been no change in his game time, and the likelihood of an exit has since grown.
Real, who sit just one point behind Barcelona in LaLiga, would prefer to keep him until the end of the season, but TEAMtalk claim that intermediaries are now actively exploring his options. The 37-cap Brazil international would listen to interest from no fewer than six Premier League outfits, with four of them reportedly exploring the switch.
Communication with Arsenal has been reopened months after their rumoured failed pursuit during the summer, and, crucially, Rodrygo would be equally interested in a move to the Emirates.
Fellow heavyweights Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham are keeping tabs on his situation too, aware that he could be on the hunt for a new challenge with the World Cup rapidly approaching.
Arsenal Must Push Hard For Rodrygo Deal
Rodrygo in action for Real Madrid in 2024
Real Madrid's Rodrygo in action with Real Valladolid's Lucas Rosa on August 25, 2024.
Rodrygo is searching for a way out of the shadows at Real, and Arsenal are well-positioned to give him his escape route.
Mbappe's arrival at the Bernabeu all but signalled an end to his hopes of starting week in, week out, and Rodrygo's numbers show a clear dip over the past year or so. Indeed, he has yet to score in 16 appearances for Los Blancos this season, while his last LaLiga goal came back in January. Damningly, youngster Arder Guler is also preferred ahead of him.
While he would face equally stern competition at Arsenal, he would certainly start more and provide a true threat on the opposite flank to Bukayo Saka. Jude Bellingham described Rodrygo as "probably the most gifted player in the squad" in an interview with CBS Sports earlier this season, while Luka Modric called him a 'world-class superstar'. It is clear that Mikel Arteta would be landing a mercurial ace proven at the highest level.
It is vital, then, that Arsenal barge their way to the front of the queue, especially if he does leave next month.
Arsenal Set For Quiet January Window
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Premier League - Arsenal v Crystal Palace - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - October 26, 2025 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts REUTERS/David Klein
Despite multiple transfer rumours circling ahead of the winter window, Arteta currently expects a relatively frugal January.
Speaking during a press conference ahead of his side's trip to Aston Villa this weekend, he said...
We always have to be prepared. I mean, the moment that we have an option to touch the squad, to improve the squad or to protect the squad, depending on what happens, I think we need to be open.
What’s going to happen from here till the window is closed as well, it’s football. So we don’t know, but we’re certainly going to be alert and we know where the risk can come in terms of the squad, and be ready just in case we have to do something.