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Arsenal vs Manchester City## Arsenal look set to benefit from Rodri's potential departure from Manchester City
13:30, 25 Jul 2026Updated 13:30, 25 Jul 2026
Manchester City could be about to lose their most important player, with Real Madrid keen on signing Rodri this summer. The Spain international who won player of the tournament at the World Cup and lifted the famous gold trophy could be about to leave the Premier League.
Rodri has been a thorn in Arsenal’s side down the years, and this move will be mostly welcomed by those in North London. Reports suggest talks will take place between the two clubs despite City’s desire to keep the Spaniard.
Losing a player of such quality has ramifications beyond just that of City. Therefore it makes sense for football.london to assess what this could mean for Arsenal ahead of their hopes of defending the Premier League title.
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Losing the best
When Rodri plays, Man City never lose. This is true, but only in the case of Arsenal.
All eleven times he has faced Arsenal in the Premier League, City never lost, winning eight and drawing three. In 2023, when suspended due to a red card, Arsenal came out 1-0 winners.
In 2025, Rodri was injured due to a serious ACL tear suffered against Arsenal earlier that same season. City were beaten 5-1 at the Emirates in his absence. It is worth mentioning that City also drew the match 2-2 in which he was forced off after 21 minutes.
In the 2019/20 FA Cup semi-final, Rodri was a substitute. Arsenal took the lead before the Spaniard came on for the final 24 minutes, which ended in defeat for Pep Guardiola’s side. The records speak for themselves; without Rodri, Arsenal’s chances of beating City significantly improve.
Bruno Guimaraes pressure
With an exit could mean that Man City attack the market with the aim of replacing him. Elliot Anderson has already come in, but this was done not with the idea of Rodri leaving this summer, and so another midfielder will be considered.
Arsenal have not been the quickest in the market, and a move for Bruno Guimaraes continues to plod along. Like with Jeremy Monga and Morgan Rogers, if Arsenal fail to wrap up a deal as soon as possible, paying more than perhaps they’d like, City could come storming in and gazump them yet again.
Champions League rival
But there are more grandiose ambitions at Arsenal beyond just their rivalry with Manchester City in the Premier League. Arsenal reached the UEFA Champions League final last season, and reached the semi-final the season before, beating Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate along the way.
Rodri in a Real Madrid midfield with the likes of Jude Bellingham and company is a very scary prospect. Los Blancos have not looked as threatening since their win in the competition in 2024, but there is no doubt that with Rodri, all that changes.
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