The summer transfer window hasn’t even hit full stride, but the plot surrounding Rodrygo Goes is already heating up, and Arsenal fans might want to keep a very close eye on this one. The Brazilian winger, once considered untouchable at Real Madrid, now finds himself at a crossroads. And after the latest snub from manager Xabi Alonso, he’s made it crystal clear: he’s not going to sit quietly on the sidelines.
Softfootball can report that as Arsenal continue their search for added firepower up front, they have reportedly turned their attention to Rodrygo, an attacker with Champions League pedigree, blistering pace, and a point to prove. With murmurs growing louder between Madrid and London, Mikel Arteta’s camp may have just been handed an unexpected opening.
Rodrygo joined Madrid from Brazilian side Santos for around £35million in July 2019 and has gone on to win 12 trophies with the La Liga giants, including two Champions Leagues.
The 24-year-old scored 14 goals and provided nine assists in 51 appearances across all competitions last season, and also registered one assist at the Club World Cup.
A change of manager to Xabi Alonso presented an opportunity for a fresh start, though for Rodrygo, it has been more of the same treatment.
Rodrygo started his fourth FIFA Club World Cup match in a row from the bench on Saturday night, only emerging for the final five minutes of Los Blancos’ quarter-final vs Borussia Dortmund. His only start was in the group stage opener against Al-Hilal almost one month ago, and for two of the four times he was named on the bench, Rodrygo did not play a part at all.
Reports elsewhere suggest in retaliation to being kept out of the starting XI by Alonso on Saturday night, the player deleted a pre-match graphic posted to his Instagram profile.
However, any sign of discontent to provide Arsenal with a small speck of hope for fast-tracking a deal was masked by what Rodrygo posted on his Instagram after his side’s 3-2 victory.
According to The Athletic, Real Madrid and head coach Alonso are ‘open’ to the player leaving this summer. If Rodrygo expresses a desire to leave and/or a ‘suitable offer’ is received, Madrid and Alonso won’t stand in his way, the report states.
It’s claimed that Arsenal are ‘monitoring’ Rodrygo and held preliminary talks with his representatives in recent weeks as they weigh up a move.
As per Softfootball’s earlier report, Bayern, PSG join Arsenal to battle for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. Reports from France say Ligue 1 champions, PSG and German champions, Bayern Munich are now interested in the signature of the unsettled winger who turns 25 next year.
PSG are looking to offload a couple of players including winger, Marco Asensio who is being considered by Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. Bayern Munich on their part were chasing Liverpool’s Luis Diaz but have now hit the rock on their pursuit and both are now eyeing a swop for Rodrygo.
