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DONE DEALS
- 6 minutes ago
Exclusive: Arsenal in positive Rodrygo talks as family link key
Steve Kay
- Updated: 24 Jun 2025 18:11 BST
- 4 min read
Exclusive
Arsenal are understood to have taken significant strides toward a potential blockbuster signing, with sources informing FootballTransfers that the Gunners have held positive discussions regarding a transfer fee with Real Madrid for Brazil international Rodrygo.
The 24-year-old winger has emerged as Arsenal’s priority target following the imminent move of Nico Williams to Barcelona. The Gunners had been prepared to activate Williams' €58m release clause for over a year.
However, with the Athletic Club star now expected to sign a contract at Camp Nou until 2031, the North London club have shifted their full attention to Rodrygo.
Current ETV
Rodrygo
F (CR), M (R)
Real Madrid
Rodrygo
F (CR), M (R)
Real Madrid
ETV Range
€88.3M - €107.9M
Sources close to the deal say Arsenal are prepared to make Rodrygo one of the highest earners at the club, as Mikel Arteta seeks to add elite-level flair to his attack ahead of a season in which they want to compete on all fronts.
The Brazil international, who made 51 appearances ahead of the Club World Cup, contributing 14 goals and 10 assists, has long been admired by Arsenal’s recruitment team.
Family relationship could be key
FootballTransfers has also been made aware that Paulo Xavier, an Arsenal scout who formerly worked for Real Madrid, has held conversations with Eric Goes, Rodrygo’s father and agent.
Xavier, the man credited with taking Rodrygo to Madrid in the first place, is believed to retain a strong relationship with the family, and his involvement could prove influential in any potential move to North London.
While formal negotiations with Rodrygo’s camp have yet to begin, insiders say Arsenal are ready to start talks as soon as the player returns from the Club World Cup.
The understanding is that Real Madrid will not stand in Rodrygo’s way if he expresses a desire to leave. With Endrick and Arda Guler also coming into prominence under new manager Xabi Alonso, there is now genuine uncertainty over Rodrygo's long-term role in the team.
Arsenal’s recruitment hierarchy, led by new sporting director Andrea Berta, are said to be increasingly concerned about the shrinking pool of top-tier wide forwards available.
With Williams off the table and other targets like Bradley Barcola and Rafael Leao priced out or unavailable, the Gunners view Rodrygo as a rare opportunity to secure a Champions League-proven winger in his prime.
Although the deal is still at an early stage, all signs point toward a major summer push from Arsenal. The full package to land Rodrygo will cost more than €100m, but as Arsenal have found out with Declan Rice, this is the price to pay for a transformative player nowadays.
The move would represent not only a marquee signing but also a statement of intent as the Gunners look to build on their second-place Premier League finish in 2024/25 and launch a serious bid for silverware next season.
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