Report: Real Madrid open to sale of Brazilian star as Arsenal consider bid | OneFootball

Arsenal Eye Opportunity as Real Madrid and Alonso Open to Rodrygo Exit

Changing Dynamics at the Bernabéu

Rodrygo Goes may be on the brink of a new chapter. According to The Athletic, Real Madrid and new head coach Xabi Alonso are prepared to part ways with the 24-year-old Brazilian forward this summer. The shift comes after a prolonged period of uncertainty, limited playing time, and questions about motivation behind the scenes.

Rodrygo’s recent marginalisation is telling. Since returning to the squad for the Club World Cup — where he featured for only 23 minutes in three matches — he has found himself firmly on the fringes. Under Carlo Ancelotti, he was already struggling for inclusion, and his exclusion from Brazil’s recent internationals (on Ancelotti’s request) only fuelled speculation about his future.

Concerns over Rodrygo’s attitude in training, denied by his camp, reportedly contributed to this decline. His father and agent, Eric Goes, hasn’t helped matters by voicing displeasure at the winger’s lack of playing time, particularly given the presence of high-profile stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham ahead of him in the pecking order.

Arsenal Monitoring Developments Closely

This unfolding situation has not gone unnoticed in North London. Arsenal are one of several clubs monitoring Rodrygo’s availability. The Gunners have held preliminary discussions with the player’s representatives, as confirmed by The Athletic, and he remains on their radar alongside other wide options such as Anthony Gordon and Nico Williams.

Photo: IMAGO

Rodrygo is seen by Arsenal’s technical team as a versatile attacker capable of operating on either flank. “Coaching staff at Arsenal really admire Rodrygo,” The Athletic report states, underscoring the belief that he could thrive in Mikel Arteta’s fluid attacking system.

While Madrid publicly maintain they expect Rodrygo to “contribute a lot to the team in the future”, sources suggest the club are willing to sell if a suitable offer is presented. This places Arsenal in an intriguing position: while a deal would likely be costly, it presents an opportunity to land a Champions League-proven attacker who still has his peak years ahead of him.

Rodrygo’s Real Madrid Legacy So Far

Signed for €40 million in 2019 from Santos, Rodrygo exploded onto the scene with a Champions League hat-trick against Galatasaray. He later played crucial roles in Madrid’s European triumphs under Ancelotti, though doubts about his consistency never fully disappeared. His insistence that his natural position is on the left — now dominated by both Mbappé and Vinicius Jr — has only compounded the dilemma.

As Real Madrid reconfigure under Alonso, Rodrygo may be one of the first high-profile casualties. If so, Arsenal could be ready to pounce.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, Rodrygo’s potential availability is intriguing but not without complications. His talent is undeniable — Champions League pedigree, technical brilliance, and an eye for goal. But there are red flags. His motivation issues, whether exaggerated or not, and his struggles to cement a place in Madrid’s line-up raise questions about consistency and adaptability.

However, in the right environment, particularly one built on clarity and trust like Arteta’s Arsenal, he could rediscover his best. Arteta has a track record of reigniting careers — just look at Martin Ødegaard’s rise since leaving Madrid. If Rodrygo is willing to commit fully, the Emirates could be the stage he needs to thrive again.

That said, Arsenal fans are right to worry about financial implications. With multiple high-value targets in play, spending big on Rodrygo — possibly upwards of £60m — would likely require a key departure. And while he’s versatile, he’d be joining a squad already boasting Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

In short, Rodrygo would be a gamble — but one with significant upside. Arsenal fans would likely welcome the ambition, so long as it doesn’t come at the cost of squad balance or key personnel.