As the 2025 summer transfer window nears its September 1 deadline, Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Madrid’s star winger Rodrygo Goes has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most tantalizing transfer sagas. The 24-year-old Brazilian, known for his versatility, technical brilliance, and clutch performances in high-stakes matches, has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his attacking options. However, despite genuine interest from the Gunners and reported openness from Rodrygo, the potential transfer is fraught with financial, strategic, and competitive challenges that make it increasingly unlikely for the 2025-26 season.
**Why Arsenal Want Rodrygo**
Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo stems from their need for a dynamic, high-caliber forward to complement their existing squad. Having narrowly missed out on the Premier League title in recent seasons, Arteta is keen to address squad depth issues that plagued the team in 2024-25 due to injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus. Rodrygo, with his ability to play across the front three—left wing, right wing, or as a central forward—offers the tactical flexibility Arteta craves. His record at Real Madrid, where he has contributed to 188 goals (68 goals, 50 assists) in 267 appearances since joining from Santos in 2019, underscores his elite pedigree. Notable performances include his dramatic two-goal salvo against Manchester City in the 2022 Champions League semi-final, proving his ability to shine on the biggest stages.
The Gunners see Rodrygo as a potential upgrade on their left flank, where Gabriel Martinelli has struggled to recapture his 2022-23 form, and Leandro Trossard’s future remains uncertain. With recent signings like Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, and Kepa Arrizabalaga already strengthening the squad, Rodrygo would represent a statement signing, signaling Arsenal’s ambition to challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League. Reports indicate that influential figures within the club, including sporting director Andrea Berta and players like Gabriel Magalhaes, have endorsed the move, with the latter publicly calling Rodrygo a “phenomenon” earlier this year.
**Factors Fueling Transfer Speculation**
Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid has fueled speculation about a possible exit. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé has intensified competition in Madrid’s attack, relegating Rodrygo to a secondary role behind Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer of 2025, Rodrygo’s playing time was limited during the Club World Cup, where he featured for just 92 minutes across six matches. This reduced role, coupled with his reported frustration at being overlooked for the Ballon d’Or top 20 shortlist and a dip in form (one goal in his last 25 appearances), has raised questions about his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabéu. Spanish media have suggested that Real Madrid could be open to offers around €90-100 million (£78-86 million), potentially lower if Rodrygo pushes for a move, making a transfer financially feasible for a club like Arsenal.
Initial reports in May 2025 indicated that Arsenal had opened preliminary talks with Rodrygo’s representatives, with the player open to a Premier League switch. BBC journalist Sami Mokbel noted in early August that the feedback from Rodrygo’s camp was “positive,” with the winger giving “serious consideration” to joining the Gunners. Some sources even claimed that Rodrygo’s family had questioned his treatment at Real Madrid, further boosting Arsenal’s hopes. A proposed loan deal with an obligation to buy was also floated, aligning with Arsenal’s need to manage their finances after significant summer spending.
**Obstacles to the Deal**
Despite the optimism, several hurdles make Rodrygo’s move to Arsenal a complex proposition. Financially, the deal is daunting. Real Madrid’s valuation, while potentially negotiable, remains steep at around £80 million, and Rodrygo’s reported £250,000-per-week wage demands would strain Arsenal’s wage structure, especially under UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations. The Gunners’ recent investments in Gyokeres, Madueke, and others have already stretched their budget, and funding the transfer may require selling a key player like Martinelli, who has attracted interest from Bayern Munich, or Trossard, who is reportedly on the transfer list. Such sales, however, could disrupt squad harmony and depth, making Arteta hesitant to pursue a deal that requires significant financial gymnastics.
Rodrygo’s own stance adds further complexity. While he was reportedly open to a move earlier in the summer, recent developments suggest he is now leaning toward staying at Real Madrid to fight for his place under Alonso. With his contract running until 2028, Madrid are under no pressure to sell, and the player’s ambition to add to his three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies may outweigh the allure of a new challenge. Reports from Spanish outlets like AS and Cadena SER indicate that Arsenal’s pursuit has “cooled significantly,” with the “Arsenal road” described as having “closed” unless Rodrygo actively pushes for an exit.
Competition from other clubs also looms large. Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich have all been linked with Rodrygo, with Liverpool reportedly agreeing personal terms with the player. Rodrygo’s alleged preference for a “bigger club” than Tottenham, who also inquired, suggests he may favor a destination with a stronger recent track record in major competitions, potentially putting Arsenal at a disadvantage compared to Liverpool or City.
**Current Outlook and Alternatives**
As of mid-August 2025, Arsenal appear to have shifted their focus to more attainable targets, such as Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who offers similar versatility at a potentially lower cost. The decision to move on reflects the club’s need for timely reinforcements before their challenging early fixtures, including trips to Manchester United and Liverpool. While Rodrygo remains a “dream target” admired by Arteta for his tactical fit and proven quality, the financial constraints, Rodrygo’s commitment to Madrid, and competition from rivals have dimmed the prospects of a deal materializing before the window closes.
Should circumstances change—such as Rodrygo formally requesting a transfer or Real Madrid lowering their asking price—a move could be reignited. For now, however, Arsenal’s ambitious pursuit of the Brazilian star seems destined to remain just that: a bold but unrealized ambition. Fans will hope that the club’s existing signings, combined with the emergence of players like Calafiori and Gyokeres, can fill the void as they aim to end their title drought in the 2025-26 season.
