Rodrygo is set for showdown talks with Xabi Alonso over his Real Madrid future
Mikel Arteta is convinced the Brazilian would have a major role at the Emirates
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By BEN WILLCOCKS
Published: 09:12 EDT, 10 June 2025 | Updated: 09:12 EDT, 10 June 2025
Rodrygo has been approached by multiple Premier League clubs including Arsenal, a report has claimed.
The Brazilian winger has fast become one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer so far after reportedly telling Real Madrid that he wished never to play for the club again and choosing not to play in last month's El Clasico against Barcelona.
With Rodrygo already forced to play in the shadow of superstar team-mates Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu, he saw his role deplete even further under Carlo Ancelotti towards the end of the season, regularly sitting on the bench as the Italian tweaked his formation and tactics.
Despite reportedly expressing his desire to leave, Rodrygo could still reverse his decision if talks with new Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso go smoothly and suit both parties.
Alonso replaced Ancelotti at the end of the season, with the former Chelsea and Everton head coach agreeing to become manager of Brazil's national side.
According to The Athletic, Rodrygo is gearing up for showdown talks with Alonso and the club over his role at the Bernabeu — and his future could hinge on two crucial factors.
Rodrygo has reportedly been approached by multiple Premier League clubs including Arsenal
The Brazilian is set for showdown talks with Xabi Alonso (above) over his Real Madrid future
Mikel Arteta is convinced the winger will play a major role in Arsenal's pursuit of silverware
Firstly, the 24-year-old star wants to feel important at the club, having taken more of a backseat since the arrivals of Bellingham in 2023 and Mbappe in 2024.
The second demand is that Rodrygo feels most comfortable at left wing, rather than the right wing position he has been deployed in over the last few campaigns.
This stipulation could prove problematic for Alonso and the club to resolve given that Vinicius Jr, last year's Ballon d'Or runner-up, regularly plays in the left wing role.
Keenly monitoring Rodrygo's situation at the Bernabeu, Arsenal have approached the Brazilian in the hope of luring him to north London before the start of next season.
The outlet claims that Arteta is convinced Rodrygo will play a major role in the Gunners' pursuit of silverware, with Arsenal having finished second in the Premier League for a third successive season last term.
It is also reported, however, that Arsenal are not the only Premier League side to have approached the winger, although the clubs in question have not been named.
Rodrygo's eagerness to play left wing at Arsenal could present a major blow to his international team-mate Gabriel Martinelli, who has played there consistently for Arsenal over the past few seasons.
A lack of firepower in attack, namely at centre forward, was Arsenal's most noticeable Achilles heel during last season's failed title bid, with Kai Havertz the club's highest scorer in the Premier League with just nine goals.
The 24-year-old wants to feel more important at Real Madrid, having taken more of a backseat since the arrivals of Jude Bellingham (right) in 2023 and Kylian Mbappe (right) in 2024
He also feels most comfortable at left wing, a position currently held by star man Vinicius Jr
Arsenal are in the market for attacking reinforcements after struggling for goals last campaign
The Gunners are also reportedly keen on luring Nico Williams to the Emirates as an alternative to Rodrygo, with Arsenal's coaching staff huge fans of both.
Arteta is also eager to sign a centre half to compete with first-team stars Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
It is believed Arteta launched a significant attempt to sign Dean Huijsen before the former Bournemouth defender ultimately chose a move to Real Madrid.
Arsenal have now reportedly turned their attention to Crystal Palace and England centre back Marc Guehi, who has just one year remaining on his contract.