Arsenal continue to be linked with Rodrygo despite the Real Madrid forward’s immediate future being complicated by injuries in Spain and uncertainty over where he would fit into Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Spanish outlet Sport reported on Friday that the Brazil international wants to leave Real Madrid and has been placed on the market, with a move now described as inevitable after talks failed to materialise last summer.
The report said the decision had been taken months ago by Rodrygo and his camp, who believe a change of representation is key to finally securing a transfer.
According to Sport, Rodrygo is close to appointing one of two high profile agents, both prepared to offer a substantial signing bonus, as he looks to move to a representative experienced in major deals.
The same report claims Manchester City and Arsenal are viewed as the most feasible destinations when he eventually moves, with Liverpool also monitoring the situation despite their heavy spending in the last window.
The report adds that internal tensions among Real Madrid’s Brazilian contingent have grown this season, with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo both frustrated, while Endrick has already left on loan to Lyon in search of minutes.
Only Éder Militão, currently sidelined with injury, is described as likely to remain beyond the summer.
However, recent developments at the Bernabéu have complicated things further.
Sport reported on Saturday that Kylian Mbappé’s injury has left new head coach Xabi Alonso weighing up short term solutions in attack, potentially delaying any January movement.
With Endrick already loaned out, Alonso’s remaining options are limited to either turning again to academy forward Gonzalo or reintegrating Rodrygo.
From Arsenal’s perspective, any potential move remains no more than persistent rumour at this point, despite the player’s obvious talent.
Arteta, asked this week whether the club would be active in the transfer window, said flexibility remains key. “We are open to every option,” he said.
“Obviously if we can find a solution that is short, medium and long, it’s always much better because it gives you stability and you don’t have to constantly start a process with a new player, but let’s see what happens, let’s see what the news is in the next few weeks and we’ll try to make the right decision.”
Arteta was also asked ahead of the trip to Bournemouth about the supposed selection “headache” created by having three fit striking options available.
“It helps the team, it helps every individual,” he said.
“I think that’s what we want, to have options with the amount of games we have on the schedule. So far, we haven’t had that, so we’re looking forward to having everybody on it, everybody performing and being able to change profiles during the game as well, and to pick players in the best conditions every time.”
If it’s a ‘headache’ with three, how would it be with four, and just where would he fit into this packed squad?
While Arsenal continue to be named alongside City in Spanish reports, there remains no indication of concrete talks.
For now, Rodrygo’s situation will be shaped as much by Real Madrid’s short term needs as by any long running Premier League interest, leaving Arsenal’s link one to watch but not one to get excited about at this point.
Rodrygo’s contract runs until 2028.