Rodrygo told his agents to explore a new destination for him this summer, but his camp insist he wants to stay and interested clubs have always been left with that impression.
Guillermo Rai and Mario Cortegana report for The Athletic that Arsenal-linked Real Madrid winger Rodrygo did instruct his agents Pini Zahavi and Kia Joorabchian to explore a new destination for him this summer.
Yet his camp have consistently insisted he wants to stay at his current club, and clubs that expressed interest this summer were left with the impression the player wasn’t fully convinced about leaving Madrid.
The report leaves open the possibility that Rodrygo’s agents’ explorations could lead to something in the final week of the window, but it’s only suggested as a possibility. There’s still nothing concrete to suggest a move will happen.
Manchester City were the favourites for Rodrygo at one stage, but their interest was contingent on Savio joining Tottenham Hotspur. Reports have since revealed that City are planning to keep Savio, meaning they’re out of the race for Rodrygo.
Real Madrid sources have always insisted that Arsenal haven’t made an approach, they haven’t received any offers, and they want as much as €100m (£86.6m) to sell. None of which makes it seem likely the Gunners are about to do a deal.
With Arsenal signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, the chances of signing another left-sided attacking player only seem more remote.
In terms of numbers, the squad is stacked, even if some fans view Rodrygo as a step up in quality compared to the club’s out-and-out winger options like Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Reiss Nelson.
Perhaps there’s another world where Arsenal really push for Rodrygo as a key target and pay the £85m+ it would take to convince Real Madrid. But with other players desperate to join and multiple positions in need of addressing, those other deals made more sense.