Arsenal’s hopes of landing Rodrygo this summer have hit a potential obstacle, with some of Real Madrid’s biggest stars urging the club not to sell the Brazilian winger.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Rodrygo
The Gunners have monitored Rodrygo’s situation for months, aware that his minutes under new boss Xabi Alonso may be reduced. With Arda Güler highly rated and the arrival of Franco Mastantuono, Arsenal spotted an opportunity to pounce. Talks have already been held over a possible transfer, with a loan move not ruled out.
According to TBR Football, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Federico Valverde have voiced their opposition to Rodrygo’s departure. They believe the 23-year-old remains vital to Los Blancos, especially after shining in Carlo Ancelotti’s system. Jude Bellingham has also previously spoken about Rodrygo’s importance to the team.
Despite this, Real Madrid are understood to be open to a deal if the player chooses to leave. Encouragingly for Arsenal, Rodrygo himself is said to be leaning toward the exit door at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Why Rodrygo fits Arsenal
Should Rodrygo arrive, it is expected that he would start on the left wing for Mikel Arteta’s side, with Bukayo Saka nailed down on the right. Interestingly, Rodrygo’s career stats show he has been more productive from the left:
Left wing: 78 games – 23 goals, 16 assists (0.50 goal involvements per game)
Right wing: 146 games – 34 goals, 31 assists (0.44 per game)
This efficiency makes him a prime candidate to strengthen Arsenal’s left flank, an area Arteta is keen to upgrade.
Alternatives considered
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has also been discussed internally, though Arsenal have doubts over his suitability as a natural winger, seeing him more as a No. 10.
With Real Madrid’s dressing room lobbying against the move but Rodrygo open to a new challenge, Arsenal’s pursuit of the Brazilian could become one of the defining transfer stories of the window.
