£77 million price tag on Rodrygo, who has emerged as Arsenal’s leading candidate to fill their left-wing vacancy this summer.
With Nico Williams now likely heading to Barcelona, the Gunners have shifted their focus to the Brazilian forward—drawing public praise from Arsenal centre-back Gabriel, who called Rodrygo a “phenomenon” and expressed his desire to see him join the squad at the Emirates.
“I’d like [it] obviously,” Gabriel told Brazilian podcast PodPah when asked about Rodrygo.
“He’s a phenomenon. I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon. If it was up to me, of course [I want him at Arsenal]!”
Spanish publication Cadena SER reports that a move to Arsenal is a genuine possibility for Rodrygo.
Despite having three years left on his deal, which gives Real Madrid a strong negotiating position, they are reportedly seeking a fee of approximately €90 million(£77m) for the winger.
Arsenal face competition, as Manchester City are said to maintain consistent interest, while Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur explored potential transfers for him during the previous summer window.
Rodrygo is currently representing Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, and his potential departure remains a key talking point under newly appointed boss Xabi Alonso.
“He’s a Madrid player and I will have a conversation with everyone because we need to do so,” Alonso said last month.
“We’ll get to know each other. He’s a spectacular player and we need him.” When quizzed about Rodrygo after Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal, Alonso added: “I can tell you to a point.
“I know what happened, that the end of the season was not easy for him. He took some time that was good for him, to reset his head. We talked from day one and I see him looking forward to enjoying himself with his quality.”
To help fund their summer plans, Arsenal are aiming to trim their squad, with Kieran Tierney and Jorginho departing on free transfers, and Nuno Tavares and Marquinhos sealing moves to Lazio and Cruzeiro.
Squad players like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior are also potential departures, while the club could consider selling Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard to raise additional funds.
Bayern Munich are reportedly eyeing Martinelli, and Trossard has drawn attention from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
