Real Madrid - RM
According to recent transfer news, Arsenal have continued reaching out to those close to Rodrygo while the Real Madrid winger continues his comeback from a significant knee problem.
Rodrygo’s recovery timeline raises hopes
Rodrygo tore his ACL against Getafe back in March, and his recovery has been going faster than doctors initially predicted. As reported by TEAMtalk, he has already started running again, and pushing hard for a quick return. He wants to be back on the pitch before Christmas, well ahead of the New Year target set by Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s medical team want to take things slowly with Rodrygo, given how serious knee injuries can be. Real Madrid have dealt with lengthy layoffs before, including a recent case involving Eder Militao. Rodrygo, though, remains determined to prove his fitness sooner than his medical staff expect. How quickly he returns to full fitness could shape any future transfer talk with the Gunners.
If Rodrygo returns early and shows his usual sharpness on the pitch, his value stays high. That would give Arsenal more clarity on when a genuine move could actually happen. If Real Madrid’s cautious approach wins out instead, things could unfold quite differently. Any serious transfer discussions would then likely have to wait until the new year.
Rodrygo’s stats for Real Madrid in 2025-26 season, according to FOTMOB:
Competitions Appearances Goals Assists Chances Created
La Liga 19 1 3 17
Copa del Rey 1 0 0 –
UCL 5 1 1 10
Arsenal’s Interest Remains Strong
Rodrygo has been on Arsenal’s radar for some time, sitting close to the top of their shortlist for a left-sided option before he picked up his injury. The club held talks during the summer and stayed in touch with Real Madrid after missing out on Vinicius Junior. Arsenal also checked on the availability of young Brazilian forward Endrick as an alternative option. But with Rodrygo now closing in on full fitness, he has moved back above Endrick on Arsenal’s list.
Christos Tzolis was the only new wide attacking addition the Gunners brought in during the summer window. That happened right after Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli both left the club in that same window. Tzolis is only 24 and still remains a developing option rather than a guaranteed starter. That leaves Arsenal short of a proven left sided attacker who can support Bukayo Saka. Rotating through a long Premier League and Champions League campaign only adds to that need.
Arsenal - Group
Arsenal - Group
What the future holds for Rodrygo
Since his 2019 switch from Santos to Real Madrid, Rodrygo has enjoyed a productive spell at the club. His output for the club stands at 71 goals and 57 assists from 297 outings. His combination of pace and direct running would give Arsenal a genuine upgrade in attacking areas. This upgrade would be especially useful against the deep defensive blocks common in English football. Tactically, he can cut inside from the right or operate comfortably on the left flank.
He remains under contract at the Bernabeu until 2028, so any deal will not come cheap. Real Madrid are unlikely to let a player of his quality leave for a small fee. Even so, Arsenal appear ready to test Real Madrid’s resolve in the coming transfer window. January has been mentioned as a possible time for Arsenal to make a fresh approach. A move before then depends heavily on Rodrygo returning to full fitness without any setbacks. Both clubs will want clear proof that his knee can hold up under match conditions.