Arsenal remain interested in signing Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, although they face competition from Manchester City for the player’s signature, Arsenal Insider understands.
Rodrygo endured a down season for Los Blancos last term, scoring just six goals and registering five assists in 30 La Liga appearances.
He’s subsequently fallen in the pecking order at the Bernabeu, and this decline in prominence under new manager Xabi Alonso has prompted clubs from around Europe to express an interest in the Brazilian, including the Gunners, Liverpool and City.
Despite persistent links to Eberechi Eze, Arsenal are still exploring a potential deal for Rodrygo, who is viewed as a more natural fit for Mikel Arteta’s squad on the left wing.
Manchester City are interested in Arsenal target Rodrygo
Arsenal’s need for a left-winger is obvious, as Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both flattered to deceive last season.
Trossard is now a target for Galatasaray, and the Belgian departing could open the door for Rodrygo, who has been described as a ‘superstar’, to arrive in N5.
As for City, it hasn’t been apparent that they’d be in the market for a new wide forward throughout this window.
The Citizens have the likes of Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, James McAtee and Jack Grealish at their disposal already.
However, Savinho is now wanted by Tottenham, while McAtee is close to joining Nottingham Forest, and Jack Grealish is expected to sign for Everton on loan.
This has sparked speculation that City are interested in Rodrygo, which transfer expert Graeme Bailey has now verified.
“Whilst we know that Arsenal and Liverpool had contact, we didn’t hear about Man City so much, but they were always interested and they are being kept informed of the situation,” Bailey told Arsenal Insider.
“Rodrygo situation is still very much up in the air – all his suitors are keeping close check on him and waiting.
“And a possible loan deal can’t be ruled out yet, he is one we are going to be talking about for a while yet.”
As Bailey alludes to, City’s interest doesn’t rule Arsenal out of the race for Rodrygo, whose future is still uncertain.
If the Gunners can secure a loan deal for the explosive wide man, then Andrea Berta should pull the trigger on what would be an exceptional acquisition.
Arsenal can repeat Declan Rice transfer trick with Rodrygo
Back in the summer of 2023, Declan Rice was the most wanted player on the market.
Amid competition from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Arsenal won the race to sign the West Ham captain, paying the East Londoners £100 million for the midfielder’s services.
Arteta convinced Rice to turn down a move to the Etihad, selling the Gunners’ project to the England international.
| Rodrygo’s La Liga Statistics 2024/25 | |
| Appearances | 30 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Shots per 90 | 2.52 |
| Expected Goals per 90 | 0.19 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 2.29 |
| Successful Take-Ons per 90 | 2.29 |
Now, the Spaniard will have to do the same to secure Rodrygo’s signature, with the Brazilian likely to be tempted by the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola.
Given Arsenal’s trajectory over the last few years, it shouldn’t be too difficult for Arteta to pursuade the 24-year-old.
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