In a twist that may disappoint many Arsenal supporters, the North London club have reportedly decided to put an abrupt stop to any informal or formal contact with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo Goes — even as speculation around the Brazilian’s future at the Santiago Bernabéu continues to intensify.
For weeks, Rodrygo’s name has been at the center of swirling transfer rumors. The 23-year-old forward, once tipped as part of Real Madrid’s long-term attacking core, now finds himself facing an uncertain path. The reason? Madrid’s blockbuster acquisition of Kylian Mbappé, combined with the presence of other attacking stars like VinÃcius Júnior, Endrick, and Jude Bellingham, has pushed Rodrygo closer to the fringes of Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team plans.
Despite a respectable 2023/24 season — where he registered double-digit goals and assists across competitions — Rodrygo’s starting spot is far from guaranteed. His public comments in recent months have also hinted at possible frustration with his role. It is this uncertainty that drew the attention of several European heavyweights, with Arsenal among the earliest clubs linked with a sensational swoop.
Sources close to the situation have suggested that Arsenal had been exploring the feasibility of a summer deal, seeing Rodrygo as an ideal high-profile addition to bolster Mikel Arteta’s frontline. The Brazilian’s technical quality, versatility across the forward line, Champions League pedigree, and big-game mentality would have fit perfectly into Arteta’s vision of taking the Gunners from perennial title challengers to consistent winners at home and in Europe.
However, Arsenal’s stance appears to have shifted dramatically in recent days. According to fresh reports, the club have paused — or altogether halted — all lines of contact with Rodrygo’s camp and Real Madrid. The reasons for this sudden cooling-off are multi-faceted.
Firstly, the financial aspect looms large. Real Madrid are not expected to let Rodrygo leave on the cheap. Estimates suggest that any deal could command a fee north of £85 million, plus significant wages and agent fees. Arsenal, while financially robust, are operating with a careful eye on Financial Fair Play compliance, and may have concluded that committing such a large portion of their summer budget to a single player — however talented — could hinder their ability to strengthen other key areas like central midfield and defense.
Secondly, insiders say there are footballing reasons as well. Arteta’s system heavily emphasizes pressing discipline and defensive contribution from wide players — areas where Rodrygo, though technically brilliant, has occasionally faced criticism for inconsistency. While few doubt his potential to adapt, Arsenal’s recruitment team are believed to be prioritizing targets who better align with Arteta’s tactical blueprint and the physical demands of the Premier League.
Lastly, there’s the Madrid factor. The Spanish giants are notoriously reluctant sellers, especially when it comes to young stars they believe still have room to flourish. Some reports claim that the Madrid hierarchy, including president Florentino Pérez, are divided over whether to cash in on Rodrygo now or keep him as vital depth in a new Galáctico era built around Mbappé and VinÃcius. This uncertainty, combined with Real’s high valuation, may have convinced Arsenal’s decision-makers that their time and energy would be better spent pursuing more attainable alternatives.
For the player himself, the situation remains delicate. Rodrygo has publicly maintained that he is happy in Madrid and focused on success with Los Blancos. However, behind the scenes, his entourage are thought to be open to assessing options if a clear long-term role in Ancelotti’s plans does not materialize. With the Euros and Copa América currently dominating the football calendar, there’s every chance that Rodrygo’s future will remain unresolved well into the later stages of the summer transfer window.
For Arsenal, pulling out of the Rodrygo chase doesn’t mean their ambition has waned. The Gunners are expected to remain busy in the market, with reported interest in several other attackers who may come at a lower cost but still offer the dynamism and creativity Arteta craves. Names like Nico Williams of Athletic Club and Pedro Neto of Wolves have repeatedly come up as alternative wide options.
Ultimately, halting talks with Rodrygo may prove to be a pragmatic decision for Arsenal — a reminder that, in an era of mega-deals and intense competition, even clubs with Champions League ambitions must pick their battles wisely. As the transfer window unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see where Rodrygo lands — and whether Arsenal’s choice to walk away will pay off when the new season kicks
off at the Emirates.
