Arsenal given Rodrygo green light as Real Madrid tee up £85m transfer battle

Real Madrid have reportedly decided Rodrygo's future lies elsewhere - leaving the winger to complete a summer transfer. Arsenal and other European clubs are attached to the situation.

Little has been seen of the Brazil international at the FIFA Club World Cup, as for five consecutive matches he has been named amongst Real's substitutes - hardly an encouraging sign for a player whose future was already in doubt, having also sat out the final five fixtures of the 2024/25 La Liga campaign.

Eliminated from the competition after losing Wednesday's semi-final vs Paris Saint-Germain, manager Xabi Alonso insisted the latest instance of Rodrygo missing out was down to sporting reasons, not tied to a potential transfer.

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"I didn't play Rodrygo for a technical decision," he answered. "We thought we would be better off with other players. It's not about his future."

However, the latest report from Spain would suggest otherwise and that Los Blancos have already come to a clear decision.

Assessing the state of Alonso's squad after their latest embarrassment, Marca state outright that Rodrygo's club are 'looking for a new destination' on his behalf.

This would be a major step forward in a saga that has developed slowly over recent months - one that Arsenal could seek to capitalise on.

Both central and wide attacking talent is on Mikel Arteta's wish list as his squad begin to return for pre-season training. Negotiations are currently underway with Sporting CP to bring Viktor Gyokeres to North London.

It is not as clear who the Gunners would make a play for in terms of wingers, but Rodrygo is certainly the name most prominently linked. Foot Mercato named them the notable side in the running.

However, they would appear not to be the only ones, with that report placing Premier League rivals Manchester City and Club World Cup finalists PSG alongside.

They suggest the 24-year-old - who has made 270 appearances in Spain over the past eight years, winning 12 major trophies - will command a fee of €100m (£85m).

Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri also adds claims to the fact that champions of England Liverpool will enter the race under one condition: the sale of Luis Diaz.

The Reds have rebuffed both Barcelona and Bayern Munich in their initial approaches for the Colombian, saying he is not for sale. If that stance were to be softened, then he expects Rodrygo to be eyed up as a replacement.