Player Mikel Arteta was desperate to sign in the summer is now ‘back on the radar’ for Arsenal

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Rodrygo is back on Arsenal’s radar as he’s fallen out of favour at Real Madrid, Arsenal Insider understands.

The Brazilian has been limited to just two La Liga starts under Xabi Alonso this season, and is subsequently unhappy at the Bernabeu.

Arsenal were heavily linked with Rodrygo in the summer, but ultimately opted to move for Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze instead.

While the Gunners aren’t likely to be actively looking for another attacking player in January, they may be tempted by a potential market opportunity if it presents itself.

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

Rodrygo is back on Arsenal’s radar

Mikel Arteta was understood to be ‘convinced’ by the potential signing of Rodrygo in the summer.

The wide forward would’ve been a perfect fit for Arsenal’s left wing, but the player never pushed for an exit from the Spanish capital, while Real Madrid’s demands were deemed to be excessive.

The Gunners pivoted to adding both Madueke and Eze, prioritising increased depth over individual star quality.

However, with Rodrygo clearly now surplus to requirements under Alonso, and with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli’s future somewhat uncertain, Arsenal are monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation once again.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that the Gunners would certainly consider the player if he’s available on loan.

“Rodrygo is very much back on the radar now,” he said.

“He’s wanting out again as he’s not playing anywhere near enough football for Real Madrid at the moment. Arsenal are fully aware of what’s going on with him, his situation, etc.

“And if he’s available on loan, I just have a gut feeling that Tottenham are going to go for him and Arsenal are going to beat him to the punch again. I think with Martinelli or Trossard potentially leaving next summer, he could be the icing on the cake signing for [Andrea] Berta.”

Rodrygo’s 2024/25 statistics

It’s difficult to assess how good Rodrygo actually is.

The Brazil international was outstanding between 2021 and 2024, but he endured something of a down year last term and hasn’t been able to recover since.

As shown by the data above, Rodrygo’s numbers were somewhat average last season. The sample size this campaign is too small to evaluate him properly, so last term’s metrics are all that we can go off, and they’re not indicative of a top quality player.

That said, if he’s available for a reduced fee or on a temporary deal, then he’s probably worth investing in, given the levels he did showcase he’s capable of a few years ago.