Rodrygo eyes Arsenal move as top choice if Real Madrid exit materialises

|By Babatunji Wusu-

-Brazilian winger prioritises Premier League switch despite Saudi interest
-Gunners hesitant over €10m wage demand from 24-year-old forward

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has reportedly set his sights on joining Arsenal should he choose to leave the Spanish giants this summer.

According to updates from @HandofArsenal on X, intermediaries working with full mandate from Saudi Arabian clubs were informed that the Brazilian’s “absolute priority” is a move to the Premier League—specifically to Arsenal—if a deal can be brokered with Los Blancos.

While Saudi clubs have expressed keen interest, Rodrygo has made it clear that he would only consider the Premier League at this stage of his career. Arsenal leads that list, ahead of Chelsea, who are also monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation.

Rodrygo is expected to make a final decision about his Real Madrid future after the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup. Until then, the Spanish club remains firm: they will not entertain offers unless the winger explicitly requests to leave Santiago Bernabéu.

Newly appointed Real Madrid boss, Xabi Alonso, has already underlined Rodrygo’s importance to his squad amid rising speculation over a summer transfer. “Rodrygo is a key part of our plans,” Alonso had previously said, subtly brushing off rumours of an exit.

Despite his growing appeal in England, Rodrygo’s financial expectations could become a stumbling block. The Brazilian international is said to be demanding a net salary of around €10 million per year to switch to the Premier League.

Arsenal, while clearly interested in the player, is not inclined to meet those wage demands, raising questions about whether a compromise can be reached between both parties.

If Rodrygo does push for an exit, the transfer saga could become one of the biggest of the summer window.