Arsenal were always the most interested in Rodrygo. In fact, they were the only club with a solid plan to sign him. Recently, Manchester City have emerged as potential suitors as well.
But according to Defensa Central, the London club have now pulled out of the race after completing the signing of Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze for a hefty sum.
Mikel Arteta’s side reportedly spent nearly 80 million euros on Eze, which leaves them in no position to pursue Rodrygo, who is valued at 100 million by Real Madrid.
I don’t think Arsenal would be willing to shell out an amount anywhere near that to sign Rodrygo. They are not as desperate to sign him.
Real Madrid receive unexpected transfer shock from Arsenal
This development complicates Rodrygo’s future further. He has little space at Real Madrid and no clear destination either.
Even Manchester City would only move for him if Savinho were to leave, a scenario that does not look plausible at the moment.
Rodrygo has fallen out of favour at Los Blancos and may not feature as much under Xabi Alonso as he did with Carlo Ancelotti.
Although Alonso speaks positively about him, the reality is that Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Diaz are better positioned to claim the right-wing spot.
On the left, there is no opening at all. Vinicius Junior is the automatic choice, followed by Kylian Mbappe.
Even at his best, Rodrygo cannot displace either, and his form has been below par for months.
The Brazilian still plans to stay, and his loyalty is unquestionable. He loves the club and wants to fight for his place, but whether that materialises remains to be seen.
What is certain is that Rodrygo must prove his worth this season to secure a spot in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
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