Arsenal have prioritized Rodrygo as their top transfer target for the summer, and serious negotiations are ongoing to sign the Real Madrid winger in what would be one of the biggest transfers of the coming transfer window. Following initial rumors that had the Gunners interested in signing Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, recent news has seen the Brazilian move ahead of Williams on Arsenal’s wish list, with Mikel Arteta seeking to fortify the left side of his attack.
North London club are keen to add to their recent improvement and mature from title contenders to Premier League winners. At the heart of that plan is the recruitment of world-class quality in multiple positions. Rodrygo, with his combination of technical ability, Champions League pedigree, and positional flexibility, has become the name at the head of Arteta’s summer wish list.
Arsenal ramp up pursuit following change of heart
Arsenal’s pursuit of Rodrygo has reached a top gear in the last few days. Reportedly, that the Gunners are “seriously pursuing” the 24-year-old and have initiated initial discussions with the player’s agents. This follows increasing conviction at the club that Rodrygo is within reach, particularly with Real Madrid set to sign Nico Williams and having top attacking talent in the form of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Sources say Rodrygo, usually a first-choice player for Real Madrid, has become disillusioned with his role in the team. Manager Carlo Ancelotti usually drops Rodrygo to maintain a more balanced midfield. With Mbappe and Vinicius dominating the attack, coaches have benched Rodrygo at crucial times, sparking transfer speculation.
Spanish media report that Real Madrid will only sanction Rodrygo’s exit for around €80 million (£67.25 million), a sum well within Arsenal’s budget. The valuation is in line with the club’s broader transfer policy, which will include a mooted €60 million transfer for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and the recruitment of a new striker.
What’s also heartening for Arsenal supporters is that Arteta did not rule out Rodrygo rumors when asked specifically about them at a recent press conference. Instead, the boss smiled and gestured to the club’s new high standing, indicating that Arsenal are now at a level where they need to “win a major trophy” in the coming season. His reply intimated ambition and muted hopefulness about getting such a big-name signing done.
🚨🔴⚪️ Arteta on Rodrygo links for Arsenal: “I won’t name any specific player but we have brought the club into a position that next season, you HAVE to win a major trophy”.
“Everybody believes that we are an elite team in this country and in Europe. Arsenal is there”.
“We have… pic.twitter.com/niPKoX4snz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 22, 2025
Rodrygo’s role within Arteta’s setup
Rodrygo is right-footed by nature but he has predominantly played his football on the right wing because of Vinicius Jr’s establishment on the left at Real Madrid. His abilities might be better served if he is permitted to cut inside from the left flank. Arsenal are eager to strengthen that area this summer.
Gabriel Martinelli’s inconsistent form has left Arteta seeking a more reliable option on the left, especially with Bukayo Saka a permanent fixture on the right wing. Rodrygo, who scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, would bring both a goal threat and the ability to create chances – attributes that Arteta prizes highly in wide players.
One wildcard in the unfolding drama is the future of incoming Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso. Reports suggest that if Alonso guarantees Rodrygo a key role under the new management, he could still convince the winger to stay. But if Alonso stays coy, Arsenal will likely seize the opportunity to make their move.
Rodrygo’s experience at the top level, such as his heroics in Champions League drives, renders him a plug-and-play star for a club hoping to close the last hurdle between potential and title wins. For Arsenal, the successful chase of the Brazilian would be a sign of sincere ambition and raise the team’s attack ceiling.
With talks currently on and the player willing to take a new challenge, Arsenal stand to make Rodrygo their figurehead for their summer rebuild. If they can sign him early in the window, it will be a strong signal to opponents: Arsenal are not only going to fight—they’re going to conquer.
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