Report: Arsenal remain interested in move for Real Madrid forward | OneFootball

Arsenal Transfer News: Rodrygo Contact Continues as Real Madrid Winger Returns to Gunners Shortlist

Arsenal are again tracking Rodrygo closely, with TeamTalk reporting that the club are in contact with the Real Madrid forward’s camp as he works back from a serious knee injury. The situation is being monitored carefully, and while there is no suggestion of an imminent breakthrough, the lines of communication appear open.

The key development is Rodrygo’s recovery. The Brazilian, who suffered an ACL tear against Getafe in March, is said to be making excellent progress. As reported, he is “already back running” and believes he can return ahead of schedule. Real Madrid’s medical department have “pencilled in the New Year for his comeback”, but the player is “determined to beat the initial timeframe set by the club’s medical staff.”

Photo IMAGO

Rodrygo recovery shapes Arsenal transfer plan

That medical timeline matters. Arsenal’s long-standing admiration for Rodrygo has not disappeared, and the report states they had “previously held talks regarding the attacker” before the injury setback. More significantly, he was “very close to the top of their summer list of left-sided attacking targets.”

This helps explain why the file has been reactivated. Arsenal have been active in the market for a wide forward and, after missing on other elite names, are understood to have maintained “regular contact with Real Madrid throughout the summer”. The same report adds that “Rodrygo is back on their shortlist”, which feels notable given the calibre of player involved and the complexity of any deal with Madrid.

Photo: IMAGO

Real Madrid winger remains high on Arsenal shortlist

There is still caution around this. Rodrygo’s immediate focus is recovery, and Arsenal are unlikely to move aggressively until there is total clarity on his fitness, availability and the stance of Real Madrid. Yet the interest is described as strong and sustained. Arsenal “continue to keep in touch with his camp” and retain “a strong appreciation of his quality and versatility.”

Those traits are clear from his record. Since joining Madrid from Santos in 2019, Rodrygo has delivered 71 goals and 57 assists in 297 appearances, numbers that underline why he remains such an attractive option for clubs seeking elite output from wide areas.

January transfer window could become key

Any move would still be difficult. Rodrygo is under contract until 2028 and Madrid are rarely pressured sellers, particularly with players of this profile. Even so, Arsenal are said to be “poised to try and lure him away from the Bernabeu – potentially as early as January.” For now, that should be viewed as a situation to watch rather than one nearing resolution, but it is clearly alive.

Our View

From an Arsenal supporter’s perspective, this is exactly the kind of report that grabs attention. Rodrygo is an elite-level talent, and if there is a genuine opening, Arsenal should absolutely explore it. He brings pace, incision, Champions League experience and the sort of final-third quality that can shift the level of an already strong side.

The obvious concern is the injury. An ACL tear is serious, and no fan should pretend otherwise. Arsenal need availability as much as quality, so any potential move would have to be backed by total confidence in his recovery. Still, if the medical signs are positive and the player is pushing to return before Christmas, it is understandable why the club would stay engaged.

There is also a wider squad-building point here. Rodrygo’s ability to play across the front line would give Mikel Arteta real flexibility, especially in big games where fine margins decide everything. Arsenal have often looked one attacker short of being truly complete in the biggest moments. A player of this profile could change that.

Whether January is realistic is another question, because Real Madrid hold the cards and the contract runs until 2028. But from a fan’s viewpoint, this feels like smart market positioning. Keep contact, assess the recovery, and be ready if the opportunity develops. If Arsenal can turn admiration into a serious attempt, plenty of supporters will be intrigued by where this goes next.

Source: TeamTalk