It has been revealed when Arsenal could launch a bid for Rodrygo. The 24-year-old winger continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options in the summer transfer window.
Rodrygo, who sees his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expire in June 2028, featured 30 times in La Liga this season, scoring six goals and providing six assists. The Brazil international was once a key player for Real Madrid, but now he plays second fiddle to Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
With Rodrygo facing an uncertain future in the Spanish capital, the Gunners have emerged as a potential suitor. According to The Athletic, Arsenal are particularly interested in signing the Brazilian, with Arteta's coaching staff said to be 'huge fans'.
The report claims that the north Londoners have been keeping tabs on Rodrygo, who has been approached through intermediaries by numerous Premier League clubs. Unsurprisingly, it's understood that a deal for the Real Madrid ace would present a 'financial challenge'.
Rodrygo of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and UD Las Palmas at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 19, 2025
Rodrygo during Real Madrid's clash against UD Las Palmas (Image: Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
While Arsenal may be keen to secure his signature, Arteta will have to be patient. The Athletic adds that Rodrygo's father and agent do not want to enter negotiations before speaking to Xabi Alonso, who recently replaced Carlo Ancelotti as the Spanish giants' new head coach.
The report claims that Rodrygo wants to 'feel important', seeking assurances over his position as a left winger. Towards the end of Ancelotti's reign, the Brazilian has often featured on the right to accommodate Vinicius and Mbappe.
Whether Arsenal sign Rodrygo remains to be seen, but Arteta knows exactly what he wants this summer. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Gunners' clash against Southampton last month, he urged Andrea Berta to 'add goals and creativity' to his squad.
Rodrygo of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 21, 2024
Rodrygo during Real Madrid's clash against RCD Espanyol (Image: Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
"We cannot rely just on the numbers we had before," said the Arsenal boss. "We have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions."
On Rodrygo, Arteta said: "I wouldn’t like to name a player, but the biggest thing is that, and using the word pride, we have brought the club into a position, into a place that next season you have to win a major trophy.
"That means that everybody believes that we have the level, that we have shown the consistency and we are an elite team in this country and in Europe and if you don't do that, then what is going to happen?
"For me that is the biggest statement, that Arsenal is there..."
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.