In a move that has sent ripples through the football world, Arsenal have made a daring enquiry for Real Madrid’s electrifying forward Rodrygo Goes, aiming to bolster their attacking arsenal for the 2025-26 season. The Gunners, under the meticulous guidance of Mikel Arteta, are leaving no stone unturned after finishing as Premier League runners-up for the third consecutive year, trailing champions Liverpool. With a crucial Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain looming, Arsenal’s board is already planning a blockbuster summer, and Rodrygo, a 24-year-old Brazilian star, has emerged as a prime target. Real Madrid, bracing for their “busiest summer of the decade,” have set an eye-watering €100 million (£85 million) asking price for the winger, whose future at the Bernabeu hangs in the balance.
Rodrygo’s season has been a tale of brilliance overshadowed by uncertainty. Despite scoring six La Liga goals and contributing across all competitions, the former Santos prodigy has struggled for consistent minutes, often overshadowed by Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe on Madrid’s left flank. “I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good,” Rodrygo once said, reflecting on his 2017 decision to reject Liverpool’s advances in favor of fulfilling his dream at his boyhood club. That resolve to carve his own path now fuels speculation about his next move, with Arsenal seizing the opportunity to enquire about his availability in recent days. The Gunners’ 5-1 aggregate thrashing of Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals, including a 3-0 first-leg rout at the Emirates, showcased their attacking prowess and likely emboldened Arteta to pursue a player of Rodrygo’s caliber.
Arteta’s vision is clear: elevate Arsenal from perennial contenders to undisputed champions. The club’s Champions League campaign, marked by a Bukayo Saka goal and Declan Rice’s commanding displays at the Bernabeu, has positioned them as an attractive destination. “I’m very proud, we had a very complete and big performance collectively,” Arteta said after the Madrid win, emphasizing the “magic moments” that define his squad. Rodrygo, with his blistering pace, versatility across the front line, and knack for decisive strikes, aligns perfectly with Arsenal’s high-octane style. His three La Liga titles and Champions League pedigree add the winning mentality Arteta craves, especially after Liverpool’s dominance under Arne Slot kept Arsenal at arm’s length in the Premier League.
Real Madrid’s openness to selling Rodrygo stems from a turbulent season. A Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona and a failure to defend their La Liga crown have prompted a squad overhaul, with Xabi Alonso expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti. “Rodrygo is expected to have a long summer,” with a pivotal conversation with Alonso set to determine his role, according to transfer whispers. The €100 million price tag reflects Madrid’s high valuation, bolstered by interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City, the latter long-term admirers of the three-time La Liga winner. Rodrygo’s contract, running until 2028, gives Madrid leverage, but his reported feelings of being “undervalued” could sway him toward a new challenge.
Arsenal’s pursuit is not without hurdles. The Gunners are also linked with other La Liga talents, like Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and face competition for Rodrygo from rivals who see him as a game-changer. “Arsenal are scouring the market for attacking reinforcements,” with Rodrygo’s six league goals this season—modest compared to his 17-goal haul in 2022-23—still showcasing his potential to thrive in Arteta’s system. The club’s financial muscle, buoyed by their Champions League success, supports such an ambitious bid, but prising Rodrygo from Madrid will test their resolve. “We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to,” Rodrygo said of his Liverpool snub, hinting at a player who prioritizes his ambitions—a trait that could align with Arsenal’s upward trajectory.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal’s enquiry for Rodrygo marks a statement of intent. With Saka and Martin Odegaard leading the charge, adding a player of Rodrygo’s flair could tip the scales in their favor. Whether Madrid lower their demands or Rodrygo pushes for a move, the Gunners’ bold move underscores their hunger to end their title drought and cement their status among Europe’s elite.