Arsenal are still keen on bolstering the left-hand side of their attack this summer, and Rodrygo remains an option that they are exploring.
The Gunners have been busy in the window thus far, adding six players to Mikel Arteta’s ranks.
Viktor Gyokeres signed for £63 million last week, joining as the staple acquisition from Sporting CP, while the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera have also arrived in N5.
Rodrygo could be the final piece in the jigsaw at the Emirates, with the Brazilian said to be on the market after falling in the pecking order at Real Madrid.
Rodrygo’s wage demands are too high for Arsenal
While Arsenal are still keeping tabs on Rodrygo’s situation, the player is making it increasingly difficult for a deal to materialise.
According to ESPN Brazil, there are intermediaries working to secure the winger an exit from the Bernabeu this summer.
The 24-year-old is now keen on leaving the Spanish capital, after Xabi Alonso’s team selection in the Club World Cup made it clear to him that he’s no longer considered an indispensable figure for Los Blancos.
Rodrygo also prefers a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool and Chelsea also expressing interest alongside the Gunners.
That said, the player’s wage demands are said to be too significant for Arsenal, who have already spent in the region of £200 million this summer.
Currently earning a purported €400,000-a-week (£349,000, via Capology) and not willing to accept a pay cut to secure a move, these excessive demands have understandably deterred the Gunners from making a move.
Rodrygo joining Arsenal is now said to be ‘unlikely’, although it remains to be seen whether any of the potential suitors can pay him what he wants, and if not, he may be forced to rethink his demands.
Rodrygo’s wage demands will infuriate Arsenal fans
It’s clear from how he was used in the Club World Cup that Rodrygo has no future at Real Madrid.
For the sake of his career, the wide forward needs to leave the Bernabeu as soon as possible, and find a new home where he’s valued.
This should be the catalyst for him to do everything in his power to secure a move to a top club, but his stubbornness around wages looks to be holding up a potential departure from Madrid.
If Arsenal paid him what he currently earns, Rodrygo would become the highest-paid player at the Emirates by some distance, without really meriting this status.
Add in a transfer fee in excess of £75 million, and it’s an extortionate deal for the Gunners to pull off – one that simply wouldn’t make financial sense.
| Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (League Only) | ||
| Stat | Eze | Rodrygo |
| Appearances | 34 | 30 |
| Goals | 8 | 6 |
| Assists | 8 | 5 |
| Shots per 90 | 3.48 | 2.52 |
| Expected Goals per 90 | 0.36 | 0.19 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 2.01 | 2.29 |
| Expected Assists per 90 | 0.22 | 0.14 |
| Successful Take-ons per 90 | 2.33 | 2.29 |
Arsenal want to sign Eberechi Eze instead, who will cost less, ask for lower wages and has proven himself in the Premier League.
The North Londoners could significantly improve Eze’s current £100,000-a-week wages and still be paying him nowhere near what they’d have to pay Rodrygo.
The Arsenal faithful will no doubt be infuriated that Rodrygo isn’t prepared to do more to force through a move.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Alfie Cairns Culshaw