Arsenal were linked with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo last year and the Brazilian is now reportedly looking to force an exit from the Spanish giants as the Gunners prepare to line up a swoop
09:05, 03 Jan 2026
Mikel Arteta gestures from the techincal area during the UEFA Champions League match between Club Brugge and Arsenal
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Mikel Arteta could be very active in the transfer window(Image: (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP via Getty Images))
Arsenal will shift their focus to a Premier League clash with Bournemouth following an emphatic 4-1 win over Aston Villa earlier this week. There's a renewed sense of optimism around the Emirates Stadium, with many feeling that this season's Premier League trophy is within the Gunners' grasp.
Currently, Arsenal are leading the table by four points after Manchester City dropped two points at Sunderland midweek. However, Mikel Arteta knows all too well that the north London side cannot afford to lose focus at this halfway stage in the season, with a challenging away match against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon and a home game against reigning champions Liverpool next week.
Last season, the Gunners suffered defeats in both matches against the Cherries, losing 2-1 at home in May and 2-0 away the previous October after being reduced to ten men. Andoni Iraola's team may be struggling for form, but they still have the potential to cause a significant upset.
Off the pitch, the January transfer window offers Arteta the chance to strengthen his squad if necessary, having already outlined his plans for this month. Now, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Arsenal news.
Rodrygo seeks Real Madrid departure
Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid is seen during the LaLiga EA Sports football match between Real Madrid CF and Sevilla FC at Estadio Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, on December 20, 2025. (Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Rodrygo is unhappy at Real Madrid(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Spanish publication Diario Sport reports that Rodrygo is keen to exit Real Madrid this January. The highly-rated 24-year-old is said to have started discussions with two new agents in a bid to speed up his departure from Los Blancos, where he has clinched two Champions League titles.
The Brazilian winger's most probable destinations are reportedly Arsenal and title contenders Manchester City, who are on the brink of signing Antoine Semenyo. Liverpool are also believed to be keeping tabs on Rodrygo's situation, as the forward has seen his playing time diminish under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Last September, it was reported that the Gunners had made informal contact regarding a move for Rodrygo when it became apparent that the player was unhappy with his reduced role. However, Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta eventually shifted their focus to Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, both of whom can play on the left flank but prefer other positions on the pitch.
Despite Real Madrid's reluctance, Rodrygo is reportedly pushing for a January transfer, with Alonso eager to retain the 24-year-old until the summer.
Arsenal eye £57m defender
Nathaniel Brown in action for Eintracht Frankfurt
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Nathaniel Brown is attracting interest(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Arsenal are reportedly keeping a close eye on £57million-rated defender Nathaniel Brown. The 22-year-old has been impressive as a left-back and a left wing-back for the Bundesliga side this season, notching up one goal and five assists across all competitions.
BILD has reported that his performances have attracted the attention of numerous elite European clubs, including Arsenal. Frankfurt have slapped a £57million price tag on the player and are anticipating multiple bids in the summer.
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However, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will make a move for the German international, given their existing depth in his position with players like Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Despite having a strong squad, injuries have left them short in that area this season, and there's speculation about Arteta potentially envisioning a midfield role for Lewis-Skelly.