Arsenal have upped the ante in their pursuit of Rodrygo by checking in with Real Madrid over his availability after sporting director Andrea Berta set his sights on improving boss Mikel Arteta's attacking options at the Emirates Stadium during the summer transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Gunners have moved a step closer to making Martin Zubimendi their first acquisition in preparation for the 2025/26 campaign, thanks to the Real Sociedad midfielder verbally agreeing personal terms ahead of his release clause being triggered, but there is a desire to bring in further reinforcements after missing out on silverware this term.
Berta is leading Arsenal's recruitment drive, having been pinpointed as the outstanding candidate to replace Edu in March, and Rodrygo is firmly on the north Londoners' radar as a potential arrival as they aim to aid another Premier League title challenge by making themselves more productive in the final third of the pitch.
Gunners Step Up Interest in Move for Rodrygo
North Londoners admire Brazilian's big-game experience and ability
Rodrygo in action for Real Madrid
Berta has made contact with Real Madrid in an attempt to discover whether it would be possible to sign Rodrygo for Arsenal during the summer, according to GMS sources, but it has become clear that it would cost at least £80million in order to get the deal over the line if he is given the green-light to embark on a fresh challenge.
The Brazil international has been described as a 'world-class superstar' by Bernabeu teammate Luka Modric and, with there being an eagerness to make themselves more of an attacking threat heading into next season, the Gunners are determined to find out if he can be lured to the Premier League for the first time in his career.
GMS sources have been informed that Arsenal particularly admire the big-game experience Rodrygo would be able to offer, having enjoyed a trophy-laden spell on Real Madrid's books, while he has a game-changing ability that Arteta is confident would take his side to the next level.
Rodrygo stats in his entire Real Madrid career
Although the 24-year-old wide forward has a release clause worth close to £850million written into his contract, it has not been ruled out that the north Londoners will be given the opportunity to acquire his services for a fraction of the price after Berta has been looking extensively for fresh attacking options.
But Arsenal will be forced to wait until next week for further clarity over whether a deal for Rodrygo will be possible as GMS sources have learned that Real Madrid want more time to make a final decision and incoming head coach Xabi Alonso will be involved in assessing the potential of any departures when he arrives on Monday.
Williams and Gittens Identified as Alternatives
Numerous left-sided attackers targeted ahead of negotiations
Nico Williams in action for Athletic Bilbao
GMS sources have been told that Arsenal are also exploring deals for Nico Williams and Jamie Gittens, who are currently on the books of Athletic Bilbao and Borussia Dortmund respectively, after keeping their options open and looking at as many as 10 different left-sided wingers as they seek to upgrade their squad.
The Gunners are not on course to attempt to keep Raheem Sterling beyond the end of the season, having joined from Chelsea in a loan switch which has seen the north Londoners pay £110,000-per-week towards his overall salary, meaning Arteta is eager to dip into the market for a fresh face.
Real Madrid are threatening to attempt to beat Arsenal to the acquisition of Williams, GMS sources understand, and that could open the door for Rodrygo to head to the Emirates Stadium as his admirers continue considering every top-tier name that could spearhead them towards clinching major silverware.
Fabrizio Romano Exclusive Liverpool Arsenal Chelsea Newcastle Related
Fabrizio Romano Exclusive: Liverpool and Arsenal Want Premier League 'Superstar'
GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle and Chelsea all keen on a move for a Premier League 'superstar'.
GMS sources recently revealed that Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo has been pinpointed as another target for the flanks ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Gunners having an active interest in the Brentford talisman as he prepares to enter the final 12 months of his contract.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 23/05/2025
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