Gabriel Magalhaes has broken his silence on Rodrygo to Arsenal transfer links, “I’ve told people…”

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Arsenal want to sign a winger this summer, and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has emerged as Mikel Arteta’s primary target.

Rodrygo endured a slightly underwhelming season by his standards at the Bernabeu last term, although he still managed to net 14 goals and provide nine assists across all competitions.

Regardless, the Brazilian has been identified by the Arsenal hierarchy as the perfect man to come in and take Gabriel Martinelli’s place on the left wing.

Arteta is said to be pushing to sign Rodrygo, although the 24-year-old is only expected to make a decision on his future after the Club World Cup, which commences on Sunday in the United States.

• READ MORE: Confirmed Arsenal summer 2025 transfer ins and outs, signings and done deals

Gabriel Magalhaes says he hopes Arsenal sign Rodrygo

Nico Williams was understood to be Arsenal’s top target, although the Spaniard is now in contract talks with Athletic Club, and thus, is unlikely to leave the Basque Country this summer.

Attention has turned to Rodrygo, who could be available on the market after being pushed out of position for Real Madrid due to the presence of both Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe in Los Blancos’ squad.

New Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is expected to switch to a 4-4-2 formation, which is likely to leave Rodrygo without an obvious starting spot in the side.

For these aforementioned reasons, the wide forward could be forced away from the Spanish capital, giving Arsenal the opportunity to swoop in and land his services.

Rodrygo’s Brazil teammate and imperious Arsenal defender, Gabriel Magalhaes, was asked about whether he knew if the Real Madrid star would be joining the Gunners on Brazilian podcast Podpah on Thursday.

“I don’t,” he responded.

“But I’d like obviously. He’s a phenomenon. I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon! If it was up to me, of course!”

It’s no surprise that Gabriel is keen on a player of Rodrygo’s calibre moving to the Emirates, and it’s also no surprise that he kept his cards close to his chest when quizzed on it.

There’s no doubt that Rodrygo would reach out to Gabriel, or vice versa, about life in North London, if the deal starts to progress.

Rodrygo’s statistics 2024/25

While Rodrygo may be intent on forging his way into Alonso’s plans, if it’s made clear to him that there’s no future for him at the Bernabeu, he’ll surely be tempted to jump ship.

Despite enduring a down year, the former Santos man still put up respectable underlying numbers in La Liga.

Completing over two successful take-ons per 90 minutes, no player in the Arsenal squad last season was a more prolific dribbler than Rodrygo.

The Gunners are crying out for players who can break open low blocks, and Rodrygo’s ability to beat his man consistently would help them do exactly this.

It’s a no-brainer for the Arsenal recruitment team if they can somehow pull it off.