The writing has been on the wall for a while, but now it’s glowing in bold red letters: Rodrygo Goes is on his way out of Real Madrid, and Arsenal are in prime position to pounce.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Rodrygo has now been benched for the fifth straight game in the Club World Cup, and his future will be assessed next week, with a Real Madrid exit now a very real possibility. That makes this a clear moment for Arsenal to act decisively and land the biggest upgrade possible for their attack.
Incoming Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has made polite noises about valuing Rodrygo and including him in his plans, but actions speak far louder than words. Rodrygo hasn’t started a single match under Alonso during the Club World Cup — not one. This isn’t a case of slow reintegration or tactical experimentation. It’s a snub.
Even more damning, Alonso hasn’t even used the Brazilian off the bench, signaling that he may have already made his decision. While other young players have been rotated in to earn minutes, Rodrygo — a starter under Ancelotti just months ago — has been shelved.
This comes on the heels of a frustrating end to last season, when Rodrygo was repeatedly played out of position to make room for Vinicius Junior and others, before being effectively phased out after the Kylian Mbappé transfer. Rodrygo saw the writing back then — now it’s confirmed.
Here’s where it gets very simple: Arsenal want a left winger, and they want Rodrygo more than anyone else. While clubs like Liverpool and PSG have been loosely linked to the Madrid forward, no team has shown more concrete, consistent interest than the Gunners.
And there’s a reason. Rodrygo is the ideal upgrade over Gabriel Martinelli, who, despite his qualities, isn’t a consistent enough final-third presence to be a title-winning winger in a team that wants to beat Manchester City. Rodrygo is that caliber of player — explosive, technical, and with Champions League pedigree.
Mikel Arteta wants more decisiveness on the wing. Rodrygo offers just that, and he’s still only 24, with his prime years ahead of him.
Florentino Pérez and Real Madrid aren’t known for waiting around. If they’re assessing Rodrygo’s future this week, that means they’re also ready to negotiate if they get the right offer. Arsenal, who are now more financially aggressive than in past windows, have the means and the motive.
Rodrygo is clearly available. He’s frustrated. He’s being sidelined. And he’s been pushed out by Mbappé — a player with the same preferred spaces and role.
If Arsenal want to close the gap and finally take the Premier League title, this is the transformative move. Rodrygo to Arsenal isn’t just a possibility. It’s the obvious transfer — and now is the time to make it happen.
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