Report: Rodrygo's Real Madrid exit push ignites Arsenal's transfer hopes

The Gunners, under Mikel Arteta's guidance, are eager to bolster their attacking options, and Rodrygo has emerged as a prime target following complications in their chase for other wingers.

Recent reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes indicate that Rodrygo, alongside teammate Eduardo Camavinga, has formally asked Real Madrid to explore transfer options this summer.

The 24-year-old Brazilian is said to be frustrated with his reduced role under new manager Xabi Alonso, particularly after being benched during Real Madrid's Club World Cup victory over Pachuca, despite contributing an assist in their earlier 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal.

The arrival of young talent Franco Mastantuono has further fueled concerns about his long-term place in the squad.

"Rodrygo and Camavinga consider that their growth would be stagnant if they remain in a secondary role, so they have already asked the club to study possible exits," Fichajes reported. "Real Madrid, meanwhile, evaluate options without ruling out sales if adequate offers arrive."

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has emphasized that Arsenal's hopes of signing Rodrygo hinge on the player's own determination to leave. "Arsenal love Rodrygo. They consider him a fantastic player, a dream target as a winger," Romano said on his YouTube channel.

"The only way to make the Rodrygo deal happen is if he goes to Xabi Alonso and says, 'I want to leave the club.' If Rodrygo decides to go to Arsenal, the doors of this deal could open."

Arsenal's interest in Rodrygo intensified after Barcelona closed in on Athletic Club's Nico Williams, a long-term target for the Gunners. With Williams reportedly set to sign a contract with the Catalan club until 2031, Arteta's side have shifted their focus to the Real Madrid star, who could command a transfer fee around 90 million euros, according to posts on X.

Real Madrid have not yet set a firm price, with Romano noting, "Real Madrid will not inform Arsenal on any fixed price until they have communication from Rodrygo."

However, Arsenal are prepared to make Rodrygo one of their highest earners, signaling their intent to secure a transformative player for their attack, per FootballTransfers.com.

The Gunners are also addressing other squad needs, having agreed a deal to sign Brentford's Christian Norgaard as a replacement for Thomas Partey, whose contract expires on June 30. Camavinga, another Real Madrid player linked with Arsenal, was briefly considered for the same role, but Norgaard's Premier League experience has made him the preferred choice.

As the summer transfer window heats up, Arsenal's pursuit of Rodrygo represents a bold move to elevate their squad. With the player reportedly pushing for an exit, the Gunners are in a strong position to capitalize, provided negotiations progress smoothly.