Arsenal are prepared to make a £59m offer for one of Europe’s most exciting forwards this summer, even though he is valued at £85m
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have ramped up their efforts to sign Real Madrid winger Rodrygo Goes, with manager Mikel Arteta keen to add the Brazilian forward to his squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The 24-year-old, renowned for his electrifying pace, creativity, and eye for goal, has emerged as a prime target for the Gunners in what could become one of the summer’s biggest transfer battles.
Sources close to the negotiations, including The Athletic and Sky Sports, reveal that Arsenal have made significant progress in their pursuit of Rodrygo, with Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta pushing to secure his signature. The Brazilian, who has contributed 59 goals and 43 assists in 234 appearances for Real Madrid since arriving from Santos in 2019, is seen as an ideal fit for Arteta’s system, particularly on the left wing.
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Rodrygo’s potential arrival would add another dimension to Arsenal’s attack, complementing the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. However, the move hinges on his future at the Santiago Bernabéu, where uncertainty looms following managerial and squad changes.
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo (Image credit: Getty Images)
With Xabi Alonso taking over as Real Madrid’s new head coach after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Rodrygo is reportedly seeking clarity on his role in the team. The signings of Kylian Mbappé and the rise of young talents have cast doubt on his guaranteed starting position, prompting the Brazilian to weigh his options. A crucial meeting between Rodrygo, Alonso, and club president Florentino Pérez is expected in the coming days, which could determine whether a transfer becomes feasible.
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Arsenal are prepared to test Real Madrid’s resolve with an opening bid of around £59 million (€70 million), but the Spanish giants are holding out for a fee closer to €90-100 million, given Rodrygo’s contract, which runs until 2028. Personal terms could also prove tricky, with the player reportedly demanding wages upwards of £250,000 per week, a figure that would place him among Arsenal’s highest earners.
The Gunners are not alone in their interest, however. Sky Sports journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Liverpool and Manchester City are also monitoring Rodrygo’s situation, setting the stage for a potential bidding war. Yet, Arsenal’s early groundwork and proactive negotiations have positioned them as frontrunners in the race.
While optimism remains, Arsenal are keeping their options open. Alternatives such as Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané, and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers are also on their radar.