Arsenal receive boost in Rodrygo chase as sources suggest he is clubs ‘main priority’

According to reports in Spain, Rodrygo to Arsenal remains a genuine possibility, with the player’s situation in Madrid becoming increasingly uncertain. After starting on the right wing in Real Madrid’s first Club World Cup match—a position he has publicly stated is not his preference—Rodrygo was left out of the starting XI entirely for the following match against Pachuca tonight. Notably, this exclusion came even in the absence of new arrivals Kylian Mbappé and Franco Mastantuono.

With Real Madrid continuing to invest in forward talent, it is becoming more difficult to see how Rodrygo fits into Xabi Alonso’s plans. Arsenal appear ready to test the waters, with a fee in excess of £70million likely to be required. Still just 23, Rodrygo remains one of the most technically gifted young attackers in Europe, and there is a belief that Real Madrid could be open to doing business.

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Arsenal’s interest is not new, but it’s now thought to be advancing. Sources such as John Cross suggest the North London club are waiting to see if they receive encouragement from Madrid and the player’s representatives in the coming days. Should a deal prove too difficult, Arsenal could pivot to other wide options, but Mikel Arteta and new sporting chief Andrea Berta appear to be keen on Rodrygo’s versatility and Champions League pedigree.

The Gunners are expected to make significant moves this summer, with transfer coverage intensifying by the day. After falling just short of the Premier League title in back-to-back seasons, Arsenal’s hierarchy believes the addition of a world-class forward could be the final piece of the puzzle.

With Rodrygo’s future looking increasingly fragile in Madrid, and Arsenal’s ambition clear, this is a story worth watching as the window progresses. External sources like BBC Sport and Sky Sports will also provide updates as talks develop.