The summer transfer window has ignited a fierce battle for Real Madrid’s dynamic winger Rodrygo, with Arsenal and Manchester City emerging as frontrunners to secure the 24-year-old Brazilian’s services. Amid swirling rumors of a “full agreement” with Arsenal, Rodrygo’s cryptic response to the speculation has only fueled the frenzy, leaving fans and pundits speculating about his next move. As the August 2025 transfer deadline looms, the versatile forward’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu remains uncertain, with his limited role under new manager Xabi Alonso and the arrival of Kylian Mbappé pushing him down the pecking order.
Rodrygo, who has been a key figure for Real Madrid since joining from Santos in 2019, has found himself at a crossroads. Despite making 30 appearances in La Liga last season, with 22 starts, his output—a single goal in the last three months—has drawn scrutiny. His lackluster performances in Real Madrid’s Champions League exit against Arsenal and a halftime substitution in the Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona have raised questions about his fit in Alonso’s revamped squad. The arrival of Mbappé and the emergence of Brazilian prodigy Endrick have further crowded Madrid’s attacking line, prompting the club to consider a €90 million (£76.8 million) sale to fund reinforcements in midfield and defense. Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, and Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, are reportedly prepared to meet this valuation, with both clubs seeing Rodrygo as a transformative addition to their forward lines.
The Gunners have made Rodrygo their top target for the left wing, especially after Barcelona secured Nico Williams. Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has been active, already signing Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, and Viktor Gyokeres this summer. However, Arteta seeks a marquee winger to complement Gyokeres’ arrival, and Rodrygo’s versatility—capable of playing across the front three—makes him a prime candidate. Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has publicly endorsed the move, calling Rodrygo a “phenomenon” on a Brazilian podcast. “I’d like [it] obviously,” Gabriel said. “He’s a phenomenon. I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon. If it was up to me, of course [I want him at Arsenal]!” Reports suggest Arsenal have held multiple rounds of talks with Rodrygo’s camp, with claims of a “full agreement” on personal terms circulating, though no official offer has been confirmed.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have entered the race with urgency, viewing Rodrygo as a potential replacement for Jack Grealish, who is transfer-listed for £40 million and linked with a loan to Everton. City’s interest intensified after Rodrygo’s limited role in the Club World Cup, where he started only once in three appearances under Alonso. “I know what happened, that the end of the season was not easy for him,” Alonso said after Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal. “He took some time that was good for him, to reset his head. We talked from day one and I see him looking forward to enjoying himself with his quality.” Despite Alonso’s praise, City have initiated talks with Rodrygo’s agents, aiming to capitalize on his reported frustration at being overshadowed by Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. Posts on X have fueled speculation, with some claiming Rodrygo prefers Arsenal but could be swayed if City secure a deal first.
Rodrygo’s own response to the transfer rumors has been enigmatic. In a recent social media post, he shared a three-word message: “Hala Madrid Always.” While this suggests loyalty to Real Madrid, it has done little to quell speculation, especially as Madrid reportedly lowered their asking price to entice bids. The Brazilian, who scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 54 appearances last season, remains a sought-after talent. His pace, flair, and ability to play on either flank or centrally have also drawn interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich. Liverpool’s pursuit hinges on Luis Diaz’s potential exit to Barcelona, while Tottenham’s interest has cooled due to financial constraints and a focus on replacing the injured James Maddison.
Arsenal face their own challenges in sealing the deal. With £123 million already spent on new signings, including a £63.7 million move for Gyokeres, Berta may need to offload players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, Fabio Vieira, or Reiss Nelson to balance the books. A loan with an obligation to buy has been floated as a potential structure to bring Rodrygo to the Emirates, but Manchester City’s financial muscle could complicate matters. City’s recent signings, including Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, signal their ambition to rebound from a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, and Rodrygo could be the headline capture to challenge Arsenal and champions Liverpool in the Premier League race.
Rodrygo’s situation is further complicated by his reflections on a past decision. At 16, he turned down Liverpool, a choice he later recounted as pivotal before joining Madrid. Now, with his role diminished, he faces another career-defining moment. “He’s a Madrid player and I will have a conversation with everyone because we need to do so,” Alonso said last month, emphasizing Rodrygo’s value while leaving the door open for a transfer. As the transfer window nears its close, Rodrygo’s next move will hinge on his discussions with Madrid’s management and the offers on the table.
The saga has captivated fans, with social media buzzing about Rodrygo’s potential impact in the Premier League. Arsenal supporters see him as the missing piece to end their title drought, while City fans view him as a spark to reignite their dominance. For now, Rodrygo remains a Madridista, but with Arsenal and Manchester City circling, his days at the Bernabeu may be numbered. Whether he chooses the Gunners’ resurgence under Arteta or City’s proven winning machine under Guardiola, Rodrygo’s decision will shape the Premier League’s 2025/26 season.
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