
EPL Index
·13 juin 2025
Gabriel Urges Arsenal to Sign £84m Real Madrid ‘Phenomenom’ This Summer

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·13 juin 2025
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has heaped praise on Brazil team-mate Rodrygo, calling him a “phenomenon” and admitting he would welcome the Real Madrid star at the Emirates Stadium. With the Gunners actively targeting reinforcements in attack this summer, Rodrygo’s name has emerged as a serious option, and his fellow countryman has now added fuel to the growing speculation.
As Mikel Arteta looks to sharpen his squad ahead of another Premier League title push and a deeper Champions League run, Arsenal’s recruitment team has turned its focus towards the flanks. Rodrygo, valued at £84m, has enjoyed a productive spell with Real Madrid, playing a key role in their domestic and European success. Despite that, there are growing reports in Spain suggesting the La Liga giants could listen to offers for the winger, given their own summer plans and the imminent arrival of Kylian Mbappé.
That scenario has sparked interest across Europe, with Arsenal understood to be monitoring developments closely. The Brazil international, who has built a strong on-field relationship with Gabriel, is admired for his pace, technical quality and composure in front of goal.
Photo: IMAGO
While Arsenal remain tight-lipped on any formal move, Gabriel offered his own endorsement of Rodrygo during an appearance on the Podpah podcast in Brazil. Asked whether the Madrid star could be North London-bound, Gabriel responded with a mix of admiration and uncertainty.
“I don’t know. I would like it but who knows? Rodrygo for me is a phenomenon,” he said. “People are mentioning his name a lot. If it depended on me, of course. As I said, he is a phenomenon.”
Though Gabriel stopped short of confirming any transfer talks, his words will resonate with Arsenal supporters eager to see their club land a marquee forward. With the Gunners preparing for another season on multiple fronts, the addition of a player of Rodrygo’s calibre would significantly enhance their attacking depth.
Arsenal are not solely fixated on Rodrygo. The club also retains strong interest in Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, a player known for his direct running and creativity. In the central striker role, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres remain prominent on the radar.
Despite missing out on silverware last season, Arsenal finished just behind Manchester City and demonstrated steady progress under Arteta. The ambition to bridge that final gap is clear, and investment in the attacking third is seen as crucial.
Whether Rodrygo will be part of that equation remains uncertain, but with endorsements like Gabriel’s and clear admiration from within the Brazil squad, Arsenal may feel encouraged to test Real Madrid’s resolve.
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