The summer transfer window continues to heat up with Brazilian winger Rodrygo at the center of a growing European tug-of-war. Arsenal’s interest in the Real Madrid star is no secret, but Mikel Arteta’s side now faces fierce competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool and at least three other European heavyweights. With Real Madrid reportedly slapping an £87 million price tag on the 23-year-old, the stage is set for one of the summer’s most dramatic sagas.
Arsenal, who have been actively pursuing attacking reinforcements, see Rodrygo as a versatile forward capable of complementing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. His Champions League pedigree, explosive pace, and technical flair make him a natural fit for Arteta’s possession-based, high-pressing system. Sources suggest Arsenal had been laying groundwork for a potential approach since May, but delays in negotiations may have opened the door to rivals.
Liverpool, seeking a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah amid Saudi interest, have reportedly entered the fray with a formal inquiry. Jurgen Klopp’s replacement, Arne Slot, is keen to begin a new era at Anfield with a marquee signing, and Rodrygo is seen as an ideal candidate. The club’s Champions League return and attacking style could appeal to the Brazilian, especially if Madrid’s plans suggest a reduced role.
Adding to Arsenal’s concerns, three other European clubs—believed to include Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Juventus—are now monitoring the situation closely. PSG view Rodrygo as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappé, while Bayern and Juventus are both seeking wide players with elite-level experience. Each club has the financial clout and Champions League presence to tempt the Brazilian away from Spain.
Real Madrid’s stance remains firm: Rodrygo is not for sale unless their £87m valuation is met. The club has already signed Kylian Mbappé and Endrick, crowding their attacking options and potentially limiting Rodrygo’s game time next season. Although he played a crucial role in Madrid’s recent La Liga and Champions League successes, club president Florentino Pérez is reportedly open to offers if it means balancing the books and reshaping the squad.
For Rodrygo himself, the decision may come down to playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup and how he fits into Madrid’s crowded forward line. With Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé likely to dominate the wings, Rodrygo could be pushed into a rotational role—a prospect that may prompt him to seek a more central role elsewhere.
Arsenal are still believed to be in the race, but they may need to act quickly—and decisively. With growing interest and Madrid’s valuation clear, any hesitation could see the Gunners miss out on one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers.
One thing is certain: Rodrygo’s future is one of the transfer window’s most closely watched stories, and the battle for his signature is only just beginning.