Transfer Race Heats Up for Rodrygo: Arsenal Lead, PSG and Manchester City Circle
According to ESPN Brasil, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City have made initial contact with the representatives of Real Madrid star Rodrygo Goes, as uncertainty grows around the Brazilian’s future in Madrid. Arsenal are also heavily involved, with manager Mikel Arteta identifying Rodrygo as a key summer target to elevate his team’s attacking prowess.
The growing interest comes amid signs of discontent from Rodrygo’s camp over his diminished role under new Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso. The situation came to a head during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where Rodrygo played a mere 26 minutes across five matches. He was benched in the critical knockout wins over Juventus (1-0) and Borussia Dortmund (3-2), fueling rumors that his place in the starting XI is no longer guaranteed.
Despite being tied to Real Madrid until 2028 and carrying a price tag between €90 million and €100 million, Rodrygo and his inner circle — led by his father and agent, Eric Goes — are exploring potential exits. The main concern stems from his reduced influence on the pitch, especially as 21-year-old breakout star Gonzalo Garcia continues to shine and 17-year-old Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono is set to join the first-team squad in August. With Madrid’s forward line increasingly crowded, Rodrygo’s long-term role has become uncertain.
Arsenal: Frontrunners with a Vision
Among the interested clubs, Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners. Mikel Arteta is reportedly a big admirer of Rodrygo’s technical quality, adaptability, and maturity, and sees him as a perfect fit for his evolving frontline. The Gunners are looking to add a player who can operate across multiple attacking positions — left wing, right wing, or centrally — and Rodrygo ticks all the boxes. His experience at the highest level, including multiple Champions League campaigns, is another factor that appeals to Arsenal as they prepare for another title challenge and a return to elite European competition.
Sources suggest Rodrygo is particularly intrigued by the project at Arsenal. He views the Premier League as the ideal environment to take the next step in his development, and the prospect of being a key figure in Arteta’s system is reportedly very appealing.
Manchester City: Long-Time Admirers
Manchester City have long kept tabs on Rodrygo, with Pep Guardiola known to admire the Brazilian’s intelligence and work rate. With the potential departure of some attacking players or the need to rotate more in a long season, City are interested in adding depth and dynamism to their frontline. While not as aggressive in their pursuit as Arsenal for now, the reigning Premier League champions have made it known that they would be ready to enter the bidding if Rodrygo is officially put on the market.
PSG: Looking to Rebuild Post-Mbappé
PSG’s interest comes as they continue reshaping their squad in the post-Kylian Mbappé era. With Ousmane Dembélé, Desire Doué, and new signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia forming the core of their new attack, the Parisians view Rodrygo as a complementary piece — someone who offers flair, Champions League pedigree, and positional flexibility. PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos has reportedly re-established contact with Rodrygo’s representatives after earlier discussions last year.
No Official Offers Yet, But Movement Expected Soon
While all three clubs are actively monitoring the situation, no formal bids have been submitted yet. The player’s camp is taking a patient approach — assessing all potential destinations and waiting to see whether Real Madrid provide any assurances about his role next season.
Rodrygo is not pushing to leave at all costs. Sources close to the player suggest he remains respectful of Real Madrid and is open to staying — but only if he receives guarantees of greater involvement and a more central role under Xabi Alonso moving forward.
As it stands, the summer transfer window could see one of Brazil’s brightest stars make a high-profile move. Arsenal are in pole position, but with PSG and Manchester City ready to act, the battle for Rodrygo Goes could become one of the defining transfer sagas of the summer.
