Arsenal handed unlikely boost in Real Madrid transfer race

Cameron Smith

26 Nov 2024 16:30 GMT
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo could be set to leave the club next summer, according to sensational reports in Spain.

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The Brazil international has been linked with a departure for over 12 months and the arrival of Kylian Mbappe has raised further questions over his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Rodrygo remains a key figure for Real Madrid, however he could be forced to leave the club in 2025, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Liverpool and Manchester City are both reportedly eager to sign the 23-year-old next summer, with the former eyeing up a replacement for Mohamed Salah and the latter keen to add additional attacking depth amid their struggles so far this campaign.

In addition, Arsenal hold long-term interest in Rodrygo and Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a new winger in 2025 as the Gunners look to lessen Bukayo Saka’s workload and improve the production level from their left-winger options.

What has Carlo Ancelotti said?

While Rodrygo could reportedly leave Real Madrid next summer, Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti remains a huge admirer of the Brazil forward.

“Being a versatile player is a virtue for him and for us, as we have a player who can play in many positions and always contributes with significant movement,” Ancelotti recently told reporters when asked about Rodrygo.

“For him, it's a motivation to compare himself with these players, and for me, he holds the same importance. I am the one who makes the choices, and he is just as important. I do not see any problem, and he has never mentioned having any issues in this regard.

“If there were a problem, I would detect it. We do not discuss what a player says while with his national team.

“Inside the club, we maintain a very healthy atmosphere with players who are progressing and taking on more responsibility, like Vinicius [Junior], Rodrygo, [Federico] Valverde, [Aurelien] Tchouameni, and other young players who are stepping up.”