Arsenal and Liverpool have both been linked with a move for Rodrygo.Arsenal and Liverpool have both been linked with a move for Rodrygo.
Arsenal and Liverpool have both been linked with a move for Rodrygo. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal have been handed a blow in any pursuit of a Real Madrid star and could see one of their own head to La Liga giants Barcelona.
Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has a new winger on his shopping list this summer. Mikel Arteta had to turn to 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri with Bukayo Saka out injured last season and, while the teenager impressed, is in need of more developed backups.
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo had emerged as one of those, with the London outfit expected to battle Liverpool for the transfer. Speaking about the forward, transfer specialist Ben Jacobs told the Highbury Squad YouTube channel:
Rodrygo deals Arsenal and Liverpool transfer blow
Jacobs said: “As I broke six weeks ago, Rodrygo and Premier League clubs is one to watch. The three I was told was Liverpool – who are now not in the race, but they were aware of the opportunity, Arsenal and Chelsea. Chelsea don’t yet know what they want to do with their wide players, with Rodrygo, I think Chelsea are now less inclined to do that deal, but Arsenal are still exploring it.”
However, fresh signs suggest that those Premier League clubs may struggle to lure Rodrygo away from Real Madrid. The player struggled for minutes towards the back end of the 2024/25 season but Carlo Ancelotti had put that down to an injury niggle and illness.
As transfer speculation has grown in recent weeks, Rodrygo took to Instagram to share a firm statement on his future. He wrote: “Thank you for all your messages and concerns. I’ll be back soon. Stop making things up."
Ancelotti will be replaced by Xabi Alonso at the Bernabeu this summer and the Spaniard is keen to keep Rodrygo in his squad. When asked about the player at his unveiling, Alonso said: “He's a Madrid player and I will have a conversation with everyone because we need to do so. We'll get to know each other. He's a spectacular player and we need him.”
While not outright ruling out an exit, Alonso and Rodrygo appear to share a desire to stay in Madrid. The forward still has another three years on his contract.
Thomas Partey in talks with Barcelona
Meanwhile, instead of bringing a player in from La Liga, Arsenal could end up seeing a first time star head to Spain. The Sun has reported that midfielder Thomas Partey has held talks with the Catalan side over a potential move this summer.
The player is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium but Mikel Arteta and the club are believed to be keen to extend the Ghana international’s stay. Asked if he wants the player to remain at the club, Arteta said: “Yes. I think consistency-wise it’s been his best season. The way he’s played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us.”
The Sun report adds that Partey is indeed still keen to stay in London and respects the club, but wants a contract offer that he feels values what he brings to the squad. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is said to be a ‘big admirer’ of the midfielder, who cost Arsenal £45 million to sign from Atletico Madrid in 2021.
In other news, Arsenal transfer exit potentially leaked in club's social media post.
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