Report: Arsenal receive huge boost in their bid to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid

Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their bid to sign Rodrygo as the Real Madrid star has now formally requested his departure from Madrid according to reports from Spain.

According to a report from Fichajes, both Rodrygo and another high-profile Real Madrid player have asked to leave the club this summer – a move that significantly strengthens Arsenal’s chances of landing their ‘dream’ winger.

The Gunners were left frustrated last week as Barcelona reportedly closed in on a deal for Nico Williams, who had also been a key target. But Mikel Arteta may now have a clear path to securing his preferred alternative, with Rodrygo now actively pushing for an exit from the Bernabéu.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that Arsenal’s hierarchy, including Arteta, are long-time admirers of Rodrygo and view him as a “fantastic player” and ideal fit for their left-wing role.

“I’m told that the situation has not changed as of today. So first point, Arsenal love Rodrygo. When I say Arsenal, it’s about the management, it’s about the coach, Mikel Arteta,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.

“They consider Rodrygo as a fantastic player, a dream target as a winger, also because they believe that Nico Williams is impossible to reach this summer.

“So for Rodrygo, he remains a strong name for sure in the list at Arsenal. But at the moment, as I always told you, the only way to make the Rodrygo deal happen and to start thinking about the financials, the salary, the transfer fee and all the rest, is Rodrygo himself.”

That condition now appears to have been met. Rodrygo has grown frustrated with his status in Madrid, having been benched for two out of three Club World Cup matches despite the absence of Kylian Mbappe and teenage sensation and new signing Franco Mastantuono. Even when he did start, he was deployed on the right – rather than his preferred left flank, which would be available to him at Arsenal.

If Arsenal can’t land Rodrygo, it looks like Eberechi Eze is a real alternative.

With the Brazilian international now ready to walk away from the Spanish capital, all signs point towards a summer departure – and Arsenal are firmly at the front of the queue.