Arsenal Face Major Stumbling Block in Bid to Sign Rodrygo

Arteta Turns Focus to Real Madrid Star After Failing to Land Nico Williams

It’s never easy doing transfer business at the top level, but for Arsenal, the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be particularly delicate. After weeks of negotiations and interest in Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, Mikel Arteta and his recruitment team have been forced to pivot their attention elsewhere. That “elsewhere” appears to be none other than Rodrygo Goes, the Brazilian forward currently with Real Madrid—but it’s far from a straightforward chase.

According to Spanish publication Diario AS, the Gunners have reignited their interest in the 23-year-old attacker after it became increasingly clear that Barcelona had surged ahead in the race for Nico Williams. On paper, a move for Rodrygo makes sense. He’s talented, versatile, and already experienced at the highest levels of club football. But behind the scenes, the deal is proving to be anything but simple.

A Summer of Shifts and Missed Chances

The original plan, as many close to the club have revealed, was to land a high-flying winger capable of unlocking games and adding depth to Arsenal’s already lethal front line. Nico Williams ticked a lot of those boxes—fast, direct, and still only 21. The Gunners were optimistic. However, once Barcelona came calling and the player’s desire to stay in Spain became apparent, Arsenal were left re-evaluating their targets.

Enter Rodrygo. A player with pedigree, Champions League experience, and a reputation for delivering on big European nights. And crucially, one who may be available this summer.

Rodrygo’s Bernabeu Situation

Real Madrid CF v CD Leganes – La Liga EA Sports

Rodrygo’s 2024-25 campaign wasn’t a disaster by any means, but it was far from his most productive. With the arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, plus the relentless rise of Vinicius Jr., the Real Madrid forward line is now as congested as a Madrid rush hour.

Minutes were harder to come by, and Rodrygo—once a regular starter—found himself drifting in and out of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans. While no official transfer request has been made, there’s a growing belief that Rodrygo could be open to a new challenge, particularly one where he’d be more central to the project.

Arsenal, with their youthful squad and Champions League ambitions, might just be that project. But it won’t be cheap.

A Fee Arsenal Are Willing to Pay

Real Madrid aren’t looking to give Rodrygo away. Despite the surplus of attacking options, Los Blancos still value the Brazilian highly and have reportedly set an asking price of €75 million (£64m/$86m).

For Arsenal, that’s within reach. The North Londoners have demonstrated a willingness to spend in recent windows, with the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz arriving for hefty fees. If they believe Rodrygo is the missing piece in their attacking puzzle, they’ll push the boat out.

But it’s not the transfer fee that’s causing the headache—it’s the wages.

The Wage Wall: €12 Million Per Season

Rodrygo is said to be demanding a salary in the region of €12 million per year (around £200,000 per week). While that’s not unprecedented at Arsenal—certain players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka earn similar figures—it does raise questions about wage structure, especially considering Rodrygo wouldn’t walk straight into the starting XI without competition.

Sources close to the club suggest that Arsenal are hesitant to meet that wage demand in full, particularly as they remain mindful of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and future contract renewals for key squad members.

There’s a belief that unless Rodrygo is willing to compromise on his salary, the deal may not progress beyond preliminary discussions.

Arteta’s Other Options: Sesko and Gyokeres

Of course, Rodrygo isn’t the only name on the radar. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar have also been tracking Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig and Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP.

Sesko, tall and dynamic, offers a more traditional No. 9 profile—something Arsenal arguably lack. Gyokeres, meanwhile, is known for his aggressive pressing and physicality, traits that fit well with Arsenal’s front-foot philosophy.

But neither has the Champions League pedigree or worldwide appeal that Rodrygo carries. That star quality, the ability to conjure something out of nothing in a high-stakes fixture—that’s what Arsenal are after. And Rodrygo, for all the financial hurdles, provides exactly that.

What Makes Rodrygo a Fit for Arsenal?

Arsenal FC Training Session And Press Conference – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg

Tactically, Rodrygo would be a dream for Arteta. He’s comfortable on either wing, adept at cutting inside, and intelligent in his off-ball movement. In many ways, he profiles similarly to a younger Riyad Mahrez—a player who can glide past defenders with ease, yet still deliver end product.

Given Arsenal’s reliance on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, adding someone like Rodrygo could provide valuable rotation options and cover against burnout or injury. Not to mention, the Brazilian’s experience in big games would bring a level of composure to a relatively young squad.

At just 23, Rodrygo still has plenty of upside—and under Arteta’s meticulous coaching, his game could go to another level.

Pre-Season Looms Large

The clock is ticking. Arsenal’s players will reconvene in late July before jetting off for their Asia tour, with stops in Singapore and Hong Kong. Ideally, Arteta would like most of his squad in place before that trip.

As it stands, Rodrygo remains a target—but unless a breakthrough on personal terms is found, Arsenal may be forced to look elsewhere.

Negotiations are ongoing. There’s optimism, but also caution. Arteta knows that a marquee signing could boost morale and momentum heading into the new campaign, but only if the numbers make sense. Arsenal have spent wisely in recent years, and they’re determined not to break their structure for anyone—not even for Rodrygo.

Final Thoughts: A Deal That Could Go Either Way

Transfers at this level are always complex—part ambition, part diplomacy, part poker. Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo is real, and mutual admiration is evident. But admiration alone won’t pay wages.

For now, Rodrygo remains a tantalising prospect—close, but not quite within grasp. The next few weeks will be crucial. If compromises are made, Arsenal could land one of the most exciting forwards in Europe. If not, the hunt will continue elsewhere.

Either way, one thing is certain: Arsenal are not standing still this summer.