Mikel Arteta Sees Rodrygo as a Key Arsenal Target Amid Premier League Transfer Interest

Real Madrid winger attracting serious attention as Arsenal boss plans bold summer move

Mikel Arteta is reportedly convinced that Rodrygo could be a major success at Arsenal, with the Gunners boss said to be pushing for a deal that could bring the Brazilian winger to north London this summer. But while Arsenal have a clear plan for where he would fit into their system, they aren’t the only Premier League side keen to test Real Madrid’s resolve.

With Chelsea and Manchester City also circling, the race for Rodrygo is heating up — and it could all hinge on what the 23-year-old hears from new Madrid manager Xabi Alonso in the coming weeks.

Arteta admires Rodrygo’s versatility and technical edge

GFX Rodrygo Xabi Alonso

According to reports from The Athletic, Arteta is a long-time admirer of Rodrygo’s game intelligence, adaptability, and technical polish. The Arsenal manager believes the forward’s ability to play across the front line would bring a fresh dimension to his team — especially with the Gunners looking to add depth and unpredictability in attack.

Rodrygo has consistently shown at Real Madrid that he can thrive on either flank, or even through the middle when required. It’s that flexibility that excites Arteta the most. With Gabriel Martinelli more settled on the left and Bukayo Saka firmly established on the right, Rodrygo’s potential arrival would give Arsenal a new option in multiple zones, as well as added cover and competition across their attacking unit.

Sources close to the club say Arteta believes Rodrygo could be “transformational” in the Premier League, both in terms of immediate impact and long-term development.

The competition: Chelsea and City also keen

Mikel Arteta Arsenal 2025

Naturally, Arsenal’s interest hasn’t gone unnoticed. Chelsea are reportedly keeping close tabs on the situation, with their recruitment team seeing Rodrygo as a possible fit for their youthful rebuild. Manchester City, too, are monitoring developments — though their level of interest may depend on outgoings in their current attacking lineup.

Rodrygo’s proven Champions League pedigree and experience at one of the world’s biggest clubs make him an attractive target for any top side. And at just 23, he still has his best years ahead of him.

That said, none of these clubs — including Arsenal — have been able to open formal negotiations just yet. That’s because Rodrygo and his representatives are waiting for talks with Real Madrid to take place first, with the player reportedly seeking clarity on his role going forward under Alonso’s leadership.

Waiting on Xabi Alonso: Rodrygo wants clarity from Madrid

It’s no secret that Real Madrid are undergoing a bit of a transition. With Kylian Mbappé finally set to arrive and Jude Bellingham already flourishing in a more advanced role, the attacking landscape in Madrid is shifting. That leaves questions over where Rodrygo fits into the picture.

Despite often being deployed on the right under Carlo Ancelotti, Rodrygo has never hidden his preference for playing off the left or in a central attacking role. And with Vinícius Júnior a lock for the left wing, Rodrygo’s chances of being given his ideal role look increasingly slim.

That’s where Xabi Alonso comes in. The new Madrid boss is expected to hold talks with several players ahead of pre-season — and Rodrygo is one of the key names on that list. If Alonso can assure him of a central role in the squad — not just tactically, but in terms of trust and game time — then a stay at the Bernabéu could still be on the cards.

But if those assurances don’t come, then a summer exit becomes a very real possibility. And that’s when Arsenal and others will be ready to pounce.

Arsenal’s summer strategy: big moves or clever additions?

For Arsenal, any move for Rodrygo would likely represent one of their headline signings this summer. The club is expected to strengthen in multiple areas — particularly midfield and attack — but Arteta and sporting director Edu are believed to be aligned on targeting quality over quantity.

Rodrygo, who already has over 200 appearances for Madrid and two Champions League titles to his name, would bring not only quality but invaluable big-game experience. And unlike many young attacking talents, he’s already well-versed in managing the pressure that comes with playing for a top club.

In Arteta’s fluid 4-3-3 system, Rodrygo could slot into multiple roles — rotating with Saka and Martinelli, or even playing behind a striker in a more central role when needed. His arrival would also allow Arsenal to rotate more effectively during a congested season that will include the Champions League, domestic competitions, and a likely deep Premier League title push.

What next: Club World Cup, transfer decisions, and waiting games

Rodrygo’s immediate focus will be on finishing the season strong with Real Madrid, particularly with the Club World Cup on the horizon. That tournament may offer him one last chance to stake a claim in Alonso’s plans before any decisions are made about his future.

For Arsenal and their rivals, the message is clear: wait, watch, and be ready. Should Madrid give the green light for a sale, a bidding war may well follow.

What’s certain is that Mikel Arteta sees Rodrygo not just as a luxury signing, but as a key piece in his long-term puzzle at Arsenal. Whether or not that vision becomes a reality now rests with Real Madrid — and with a young Brazilian star who stands at a pivotal point in his career.