For months, Arsenal fans have been glued to the transfer news coming from Spain, with one name constantly in the headlines — Rodrygo Goes. The 24-year-old Brazilian forward, once one of Real Madrid’s most promising stars, is now facing an uncertain chapter in his career at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board see Rodrygo as a potential game-changer — a player with explosive pace, technical flair, and the knack for delivering in crucial moments. However, Arsenal’s interest comes with a clear condition: they will only pursue him if Madrid agrees to a loan move. No massive transfer fee, no long-term gamble — just a temporary deal to test the waters.
Rodrygo’s Madrid journey has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks. Signed from Santos in 2019 for €45 million, he quickly impressed with dazzling dribbles and decisive goals, becoming a fan favourite. His performances in the Champions League and La Liga contributed to Real’s successes, cementing his reputation as a rising star.
However, the dynamics shifted dramatically with the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, adding to the fierce competition from Vinícius Júnior. Rodrygo suddenly had to fight harder for game time, and as the season wore on, his role diminished, leaving him on the fringes.
Matters reportedly soured in May when rumours emerged that Rodrygo wanted to leave. Whether true or not, the tension was visible when Carlo Ancelotti omitted him from the squad for El Clásico — a move many saw as the beginning of his decline in Madrid.
When Xabi Alonso took over this summer, some expected Rodrygo to get a fresh start. Instead, his minutes were limited, featuring just 27 minutes after starting Madrid’s first Club World Cup match. Alonso’s reasoning was purely tactical, but for a player with 68 goals and 51 assists in 270 appearances, the lack of trust was hard to accept.
Arsenal’s interest makes sense, but the financial roadblock remains. Madrid value Rodrygo at €90 million (£77 million), a figure Arsenal won’t meet after heavy spending on Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke. His wages are also high, and Arteta is determined to maintain the club’s wage balance. A loan would solve both problems, but Madrid seem reluctant, preferring a permanent sale.
The clock is ticking towards the transfer deadline, with Arsenal also keeping tabs on Eberechi Eze. If a deal for Rodrygo materialises, it could form one of Europe’s most dangerous attacks alongside Saka, Ødegaard, and Gyökeres. But if negotiations stall, this could end as another “what could have been” transfer saga, leaving Rodrygo’s future — and Arsenal’s ambitions — hanging in the balance.
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