Report: Club open door for €90m forward to join Arsenal

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their attempts to make a marquee attacking signing this summer.

Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Brazilian forward Rodrygo as Real Madrid and new head coach Xabi Alonso have opened the door for his exit.

According to The Athletic‘s Mario Cortegana, Madrid are no longer standing in the way of Rodrygo’s departure following months of growing uncertainty around his role. Alonso, who recently replaced Carlo Ancelotti, has given the Brazilian just 23 minutes of action in his last three games at the Club World Cup. Rodrygo had already fallen out of favour at the back end of last season, amid concerns about his motivation in training—claims his camp strongly deny.

With Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr, and Jude Bellingham forming Madrid’s attacking trident, Rodrygo has found minutes increasingly scarce. His father and agent Eric Goes has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with his son’s situation, further straining relations behind the scenes. Despite a public stance from Madrid that they expect Rodrygo to remain, internal sources now indicate a willingness to sell—if the right offer arrives.

The same report says that Arsenal are one of the clubs to have held initial conversations with Rodrygo’s representatives. The Gunners have long admired the versatile winger and see him as a fit for both flanks in Mikel Arteta’s system. Internal discussions around Rodrygo date back to late last season, with the coaching staff believing his dynamism and technical ability could complement their fluid front line.

Rodrygo, signed by Madrid for €40million from Santos in 2019, would not come cheap, despite the club’s changing stance. He is valued at 90million euros and that seems like a sensible figure considering his ability and age.

Rodrygo’s versatility is a key part of his appeal to Arsenal. With 33 senior caps for Brazil at just 24 years old, he brings international pedigree and big-game experience. Naturally left-sided but comfortable on the right, he could provide much-needed rotation for Bukayo Saka—who has carried a heavy workload in recent seasons—while also supplementing options on the left. His ability to cut inside from either flank and link with Arsenal’s fluid forward line makes him an intriguing tactical fit for Mikel Arteta’s evolving attack.