Rodrygo Goes is reportedly keen to call it quits at Real Madrid as Arsenal and Manchester City circle.
Rodrygo Goes has officially informed Real Madrid president Florentino Perez of his desire to leave the club before the summer transfer window closes. The 24-year-old Brazilian forward feels his situation at the Bernabeu has become untenable, with doubts over his playing time under Xabi Alonso prompting him to consider a fresh start.
For Real Madrid, Rodrygo’s request comes at a delicate moment. Once valued at €100 million, Los Blancos are now reportedly willing to negotiate for a fee closer to €70-80 million. The club still hold a strong hand in negotiations, as Rodrygo is under contract until 2028 with a hefty release clause, but his diminishing role has lowered their leverage.
Xabi Alonso has given minutes to youngsters Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia ahead of Rodrygo in Madrid’s La Liga opener, while starters like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Brahim Diaz appear ahead of him in the pecking order. Add to that the imminent rise of Endrick, and Rodrygo has slipped to sixth-choice attacker.
Real Madrid, dealing with their own financial balancing act, may now see Rodrygo’s exit as a pragmatic way to generate funds for reinforcements elsewhere. Still, his departure would mark the end of a player once tipped as part of the future front line.
Rodrygo harbours concerns
Rodrygo’s motivation is clear: he fears losing continuity at club level and, with it, his place in the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti, now coaching the Selecao, has reportedly warned the winger that limited playing time in Madrid will harm his international prospects.
Last season, Rodrygo registered 14 goals and 11 assists in 54 matches. Solid numbers, but his inconsistency and Madrid’s overall struggles limited his impact. For a player entering his prime, the prospect of sitting on the bench is unacceptable.
Arsenal and Manchester City remain keen
According to Fichajes. both Arsenal and Manchester City are closely monitoring developments. For Arsenal, the timing could be significant. Kai Havertz’s injury leaves Mikel Arteta short of attacking options, and Rodrygo’s versatility across the front line makes him an attractive replacement option.
Manchester City, meanwhile, see Rodrygo as a player who could seamlessly adapt to Pep Guardiola’s system. With uncertainty around Savinho’s future, the Brazilian could provide depth and dynamism in wide positions. He could very well be the dynamic addition that the Sky Blues need to replace Kevin de Bruyne in terms of match winning ability.
Ultimately, much depends on whether Arsenal or Manchester City can move quickly and meet Real Madrid’s demands. With the window closing soon, urgency is growing. Rodrygo’s exit would be a seismic move for Real Madrid, while his arrival in the Premier League could give either Arsenal or City a decisive boost heading into the new season.