Arsenal Told to Pay £85m to Sign ‘Electric’ Real Madrid Star – Report | OneFootball

Rodrygo to Arsenal? Eye-Watering Price Tag Emerges Amid Summer Transfer Rumours

Real Madrid’s acquisition of Kylian Mbappé may be a dream come true for fans at the Santiago Bernabéu, but it’s had the opposite effect on Brazilian star Rodrygo. According to a report from TeamTalk, the winger is “saddened” by his diminishing role in the team, and speculation around his future is gathering pace.

At just 24, Rodrygo has been a regular contributor to Madrid’s attacking success, registering double-digit goals in each of the last three campaigns. However, with Mbappé likely to command a central or left-sided role – areas already saturated with Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham floating centrally – Rodrygo finds himself on the periphery.

It’s no surprise, then, that Europe’s elite clubs have begun circling. TeamTalk confirms Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United have all expressed interest, but Los Blancos are digging in. Per Relevo journalist Javier Rodriguez Pascual, “if Rodrygo does leave the Spanish giants, they want at least €100m (£85m, $113m) for his services.”

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy Takes Shape

Despite making an enquiry, Arsenal seem reluctant to meet Real Madrid’s valuation for Rodrygo – and with good reason. Mikel Arteta’s project is built on value-driven, strategic signings. As TeamTalk notes, “the Gunners are expected to pursue an alternative winger this summer.”

That alternative is none other than Nico Williams of Athletic Club. The Spanish international has long been admired by Arsenal’s recruitment team and was linked with a move to North London last year. Though he stayed loyal to Athletic, the narrative could be shifting again.

Williams, 22, is in scintillating form and publicly voiced his ambition this week: “The dream is to lift the champion’s trophy at San Mamés. I have the opportunity to make history at this club. The dream never ends.” But Athletic’s recent 3-0 Europa League loss has put that dream in jeopardy.

With a reported €58m (£48m) release clause, Williams offers considerably better value than Rodrygo. Moreover, his age, explosiveness, and versatility make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s high-octane style.

Liverpool and United Lurking in the Background

Both Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Rodrygo’s situation. For United, who lack a reliable right-sided forward, he’d be a statement signing. For Liverpool, Rodrygo could be the long-term heir to Mohamed Salah.

But neither club has made a formal move yet, and Madrid’s price tag may deter even the Premier League’s biggest spenders. With a contract running until 2028, the Spanish giants are in no rush to sell, unless Rodrygo pushes for an exit himself.

Photo: IMAGO

Still, it’s Arsenal who appear to be making the most calculated move here – weighing value and team needs before splashing the cash.

Financial Logic vs Fan Ambition

Football fans are dreamers – and for many Arsenal supporters, the idea of Rodrygo on the right flank is irresistible. But as TeamTalk highlights, Arteta is operating with a long-term vision, and the club is not inclined to pay over the odds. Williams, whose release clause is just over half that of Rodrygo’s valuation, makes more sense on paper.

That said, the situation is fluid. Should Madrid’s asking price drop, or should Williams renew his contract (potentially altering his release clause), Arsenal’s focus could quickly shift again.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For the hopeful Arsenal fan, the Rodrygo link is both tantalising and frustrating. On the one hand, the Brazilian is proven at the highest level, with Champions League experience and elite-level composure in front of goal. Pairing him with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli would give Arsenal arguably the most fearsome wide options in the Premier League.

But the price tag – £85m – is sobering. It’s a classic Real Madrid move: set a fee that only the most desperate or wealthy would entertain. Arsenal, under Arteta and Edu, have shown they’re neither. This is a club that passed on Mykhailo Mudryk when the numbers stopped making sense – and few would say they regret it now.

That said, if Rodrygo’s situation deteriorates – say, limited minutes, or a fallout over playing time – a lower fee could bring Arsenal back to the table. In that case, fans should hope the club remains opportunistic but not reckless.

Until then, Nico Williams seems the more sensible – and still exciting – option. A quick, direct, technically gifted winger with years ahead of him. And crucially, he’s not going to cost north of £80m. That matters – especially if Arsenal aim to strengthen in other areas too.