EXCLUSIVE: What Factors Will Influence Arsenal’s Bid for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo?

Arsenal find themselves in a position of anticipation regarding Rodrygo, confident that they possess the financial strength to act should Real Madrid opt to sell the Brazilian forward.

It’s been over a month since Rodrygo was identified internally as a serious transfer target, and Arsenal’s continued interest reflects the club’s upward trajectory. While they may not have secured the biggest signings under Mikel Arteta yet, their advancement in European football is evident, enabling them to consider such ambitious moves.

The £105 million acquisition of Declan Rice last summer wasn’t merely a unique event; it underscores Arsenal’s strategy of investing in players who offer something distinct. That rationale is equally applicable to Rodrygo.

Initially, when sporting director Andrea Berta began assessing the possibility of a deal, the prevailing question was straightforward: can we genuinely make this happen?

The consensus is yes—if Madrid shows willingness to negotiate.

Arsenal’s initial concern was that Madrid would demand close to £100 million for Rodrygo, but it appears he could be available for under £80 million. Sources suggest that this fee would be manageable for Arsenal, provided the deal is structured appropriately.

Arsenal holds Rodrygo in high regard not just for his undeniable technical skill but also for his vast experience in pivotal matches and game-changing prowess.

Limited Space for Rodrygo

Real Madrid is currently assessing their options, and there’s a growing sentiment that this could be the right time to sell. With Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, and Endrick all likely to be part of the first-team setup next season, Rodrygo faces stiff competition. Moreover, Xabi Alonso has expressed his desire for another midfielder, meaning that a significant sale could facilitate that acquisition.

During the Club World Cup, concerns arose when Rodrygo didn’t make an appearance against Pachuca. The forthcoming match on Thursday will be telling; should he be overlooked again, speculation about his departure could intensify.

Arsenal is also monitoring other potential targets but firmly believe that acquiring a high-calibre left-sided attacker is essential for their development. While Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are valuable assets, Arsenal is intent on recruiting an elite player to stretch defences and relieve some of the pressure from Bukayo Saka on the opposite wing.

Additionally, Arsenal remains in search of a striker, with decisions still awaited on Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres—both of whom would command a considerable fee.

However, if Rodrygo’s transfer fee falls within the £70-80 million range, the club perceives this as excellent value compared to current Premier League market standards. Recent assessments of players like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Florian Wirtz support this viewpoint.

Competitive Wage Structure

Issues regarding personal terms are not anticipated. Arsenal’s wage framework has evolved, with Gabriel recently securing improved terms and expected new contracts for Saka and William Saliba to exceed £300,000 per week. Rodrygo would likely fit into this top wage tier.

Timing, however, remains a crucial factor. There is no fixed schedule for this deal to materialise—can Arsenal afford to be patient?

While the Gunners are hopeful for clarification once Madrid’s Club World Cup run concludes, there’s a possibility this saga could extend into pre-season and beyond.

If Arsenal decides to wait and ultimately misses out, they’ll need to pivot and explore what’s left in the market.

Berta is rumoured to have alternative options ready should the pursuit of Rodrygo falter, but there appears to be a strong belief within the club that he is worth the wait.