Premier League elite fighting over Real Madrid star

Rodrygo is no longer a guaranteed starter at Real Madrid – and the Premier League is paying attention. The Brazilian forward is going through a rough patch at the Bernabéu: he was subbed off at halftime in the Clásico Copa del Rey final, left out of the squad to face Celta Vigo, benched in Montjuïc, and pulled out of training before the Mallorca game due to discomfort in his right leg.

On top of that, he hasn’t scored since early March, when Madrid took on Atlético in the Champions League round of 16 first leg. Just one goal in his last 22 games has left the 24-year-old looking short on confidence – and clubs in England are circling, sensing an opportunity.

Rodrygo has long attracted interest from top Premier League sides, starting with Manchester City. Last summer, Pep Guardiola’s club made an approach after selling Julián Álvarez to Atlético Madrid for a hefty fee – $81 million (€75M) plus $22 million (€20M) in add-ons. At the time, Rodrygo, who is under contract until 2028, turned them down. A move wasn’t on his mind. But a year on, that stance may be softening. “For me, they’re the best team in the world, the one that plays the best football,” he said of City in an interview with GQ.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are also in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer. With Andrea Berta now leading their recruitment efforts, the Gunners are aiming to break their trophy drought. They’ve already secured Martín Zubimendi for midfield and are now targeting a proven No 9 – plus another attacker to raise the level and provide competition on the left wing, where Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have underwhelmed. Rodrygo is one of several names on Berta’s shortlist, alongside Alexander Isak, Benjamin Šeško, Hugo Ekitike, Vyktor Gyökeres, Ollie Watkins, Nico Williams and Antoine Semenyo.

“I’ve got a soft spot for Rodrygo – I love the way he plays,” said Spain international and Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino in an interview with El Larguero ahead of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League. “He’s technically exquisite, has every tool you could ask for. And not just that – he can play inside, out wide, stretch the defense... I like him a lot.”

Liverpool, too, may enter the race despite having renewed Mohamed Salah’s contract until 2027 and Luis Díaz recently expressing his desire to stay at Anfield. With Darwin Núñez looking likely to leave and questions hanging over the futures of Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa, Arne Slot’s forward line could be stretched thin. And when it comes to Premier League transfer battles, Manchester United and Chelsea are never far behind.

Both clubs’ summer plans are heavily dependent on qualifying for the Champions League – United via the Europa League, Chelsea through their Premier League finish. Still, projected departures up front could bring Rodrygo into their sights. United are weighing up a sale of Alejandro Garnacho to fund new signings, while Chelsea are reportedly preparing to move on from Christopher Nkunku after a disappointing season.

But whoever wants Rodrygo will have to pay up. His release clause stands at a staggering $1.08 billion (€1B), but Madrid would be open to negotiating a transfer starting at $108 million (€100M). If one of those English clubs makes a nine-figure offer, the Spanish giants will be ready to talk. The summer window hasn’t opened yet – but it’s already shaping up to be a busy one, both at the Bernabéu and across the Premier League.

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