Arsenal Have ‘Opened Talks’ to Sign £86m Real Madrid Star – Report | OneFootball

Arsenal Open Talks for Rodrygo – Gunners Move Early for €100m Brazil Star

In a development that has electrified the Emirates faithful, Arsenal have reportedly initiated talks with the representatives of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, according to Relevo. The Gunners are exploring the possibility of a summer move for the Brazilian international in what could be a transformative piece of business.

Although the negotiations are described as “preliminary”, the interest is real – and serious. Madrid are believed to value Rodrygo at around €100 million (£86m), which would make him Arsenal’s record signing if a deal is struck.

“Rodrygo is open to joining a new club this summer,” Relevo report, with several other Premier League clubs including Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool also circling. But Arsenal have moved swiftly to begin conversations, showing clear intent early in the transfer window process.

Photo IMAGO

Mbappe Arrival Spurs Rodrygo’s Discontent

Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid has dramatically shifted over the last 12 months. Once a vital cog in their attacking system, he now finds himself in the shadows of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.

As Relevo detail, “Rodrygo is edging towards leaving Real Madrid this summer as he is unhappy about a number of things.” Chief among them is the arrival of Mbappé, which has seen Rodrygo’s importance in the squad diminish.

He’s also believed to be frustrated with his omission from the Ballon d’Or top 20 shortlist. For a player who delivered pivotal Champions League performances just two seasons ago, this snub appears to have stung deeply.

The 24-year-old is now enduring a difficult run of form. “Just one goal and one assist in his last 22 games” is a stark contrast to the player who once dismantled Man City in a Champions League semi-final with two goals in two minutes.

Arsenal’s Interest Matches Tactical Fit

What makes Rodrygo such an appealing target for Mikel Arteta is his flexibility. Arsenal admire his ability to operate across the front line, offering cover or competition for Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and even as a central threat.

With 50 appearances this season across all competitions, 13 goals and 9 assists, his output remains respectable despite Real Madrid’s stacked forward line. Arsenal believe that in a more consistent and trusted role, the Brazilian could elevate even further.

Photo: IMAGO

His pedigree is unquestionable. As Relevo remind us, “He scored key goals in the quarter final win over Chelsea and the dramatic late comeback victory over Man City in the semi final” during Madrid’s 2022 Champions League triumph. A player capable of delivering on football’s biggest nights.

Transition at Real Madrid May Open Door

With Carlo Ancelotti set to leave at the end of the season and likely be replaced by Xabi Alonso, Rodrygo’s future grows even murkier. While Ancelotti has been a strong supporter of the Brazilian, a new regime may look elsewhere.

Rodrygo’s contract at the Bernabéu runs until June 2028, which means Madrid are under no pressure to sell. However, if the player wants out, and with clubs like Arsenal already in touch, the Spanish giants may be tempted to cash in while his market value remains high.

This is not just about selling a squad player; this would be a major sale of a Champions League-winning contributor.

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As an Arsenal supporter, this news is nothing short of exhilarating.

Rodrygo is exactly the type of talent that takes a team from contenders to champions. He’s battle-tested in the Champions League, technically exceptional, and still only 24. That Champions League performance against Man City in 2022? Iconic. Arsenal have lacked that kind of firepower and unpredictability in tight, high-stakes European matches.

What stands out most is his versatility. Saka and Martinelli are phenomenal, but the squad lacks someone who can seamlessly rotate with them without a major drop-off in quality. Rodrygo could be that man – and possibly more. Under Arteta’s guidance and in a system that would put more emphasis on him as a creator and scorer, his ceiling could explode.

Sure, €100 million is a steep price, but this is modern football. If Arsenal are serious about taking the next step and challenging not just domestically but in Europe, they need to make bold moves like this. The groundwork is being laid, and if this deal happens, it signals to the world that Arsenal mean business.

This could be the most exciting move of the summer.