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Arsenal get SERIOUS about 'perfect fit' Rodrygo
Tom Weber
- Updated: 21 Jun 2025 21:31 BST
- 4 min read
News
Arsenal have shifted their focus to Real Madrid winger Rodrygo after accepting defeat in the chase for Nico Williams, according to Spanish media.
One of the Gunners' top priorities this summer is bringing in a top-class left-winger who can act as an upgrade on Mikel Arteta's current options. Gabriel Martinelli is a solid player, but he perhaps lacks that X-factor that really elite attackers have.
Leandro Trossard, meanwhile, has often had to deputise in other positions and is on an expiring contract, with negotiations moving incredibly slowly in recent months. Should no agreement on fresh terms be reached, he could be sold this summer.
Compared
Nico Williams
M (L)
Athletic
Nico Williams
M (L)
Athletic
VS
Rodrygo
F (CR), M (R)
Real Madrid
Rodrygo
F (CR), M (R)
Real Madrid
|
|
ETV |
|
| €63.5M - €77.7M | ETV Range | €88.3M - €107.9M |
| 22 years old (12 Jul, 2002) | Age | 24 years old (09 Jan, 2001) |
|
Spain
|
Nationality |
Brazil
|
Arteta was desperate to bring in Williams, but the Spain international has decided that, if he is to leave boyhood side Athletic Club, he wants to play alongside his good friend Lamine Yamal and is therefore prioritising a move to Barcelona.
Arsenal have given up on signing the 22-year-old and are instead focusing on other targets now, chiefly Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo.
Arsenal still keen on Rodrygo
The Gunners are huge admirers of the Brazil international, but there is also an acceptance that he would be incredibly expensive, potentially even more so than Williams.
Despite this, Arsenal have no intention of cooling their interest in the Los Blancos winger, according to AS. On the contrary, Williams' decision to join Barcelona has catapulted Rodrygo to the top of Arteta's shortlist.
Rodrygo's playstyle and versatility make him a 'perfect fit' for the Gunners' boss, and Arsenal will attempt to make a move for him if they get encouragement from the player that he could leave Real Madrid this summer.
There are 'evident difficulties' in realising this deal due to the outlay involved as Rodrygo would likely cost around €100 million and become the top earner at the Emirates.
However, if an opportunity arises, Arsenal will look to take it. For now, Rodrygo's stance on a potential transfer hasn't changed. He is still refusing to agitate for a move and wants to see how he will fit into Xabi Alonso's system.
The 24-year-old started Real Madrid's opening Club World Cup game against Al-Hilal but came off at half-time after his recent fitness issues.
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