PL Rivals to Lock Horns Over Brazilian Superstar

The January transfer window is fast approaching – as such, some major mid-season signings could be on the horizon in the Premier League. One player in particular has been targeted by a slew of top Premier League clubs – Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.

Teams such as Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been credited with an interest in the 24 year old Rodrygo since back in August. He has struggled for game time this season for Los Blancos – therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave the club in the near future. As one of football’s most coveted attacking players, he is far too good to be sitting on the bench.

Additionally, with the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, Rodrygo will want to secure regular playing time in order to cement his position in the Brazil squad. If he is not getting it at Madrid, he is likely to look elsewhere.

Who is most likely to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid?

Of all the clubs that are interested, Liverpool are the only team to have put forth a transfer offer [via Football365]. However, nothing has transpired since this news was broken.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race. All three of these teams have an overabundance of attacking talent, but Chelsea are in the best place to put together a big-money move for a player such as Rodrygo. He would be a clear upgrade over what they already have – Pedro Neto is a fine player, but he is not in the Brazilian’s league.

The same can be said for Tottenham. They have plenty of talented wide players and attacking stars, but none of them are quite as talented or as effective as Rodrygo is.

Arsenal who were strongly linked with a move for the Brazilian can call upon players such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke plus Eberechi Eze who can all play out wide. Should Rodrygo move to Arsenal, he risks being lost in the mix, which serves none of the parties involved.

Would Rodrygo be a success in the Premier League?

Historically, the transistion from La Liga to the Premier League is seldom a smooth one. Plenty of players have come over from Spain’s top division, only to flounder in England – Roberto Soldado, Diego Forlan and Xisco are a few infamous examples of players who failed to adjust to the Premier League.

Rodrygo has a few attributes that will run in his favour, however. For starters, he is incredibly quick and fairly difficult to knock off the ball – the Premier League has always had a place for fast, direct wingers. His ability to glide past defenders on a whim will serve him well in England’s top flight.

He also boasts a decent goalscoring record, the current season notwithstanding. He has scored 32 goals and amassed 30 assists in 182 La Liga games for Madrid.

Other teams like Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, PSG and Saudi Pro League teams could yet throw their hats into the ring given the talent of the player. A surprise suitor for Rodrygo is bound to emerge.

At just 24 years of age, Rodrygo’s best years are still ahead of him. He won’t come cheap, but the Brazilian could prove to be a season-defining signing for anyone who can get their hands on him.