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Real Madrid could now be paving the way for Arsenal to sign £84m winger this summer

Lucas Arnold

Wed 4 June 2025 8:55, UK

Arsenal might now have a serious chance of signing superstar winger Rodrygo from Real Madrid this summer.

Despite being one of Real Madrid’s key cogs in recent seasons, Rodrygo has been unhappy with his situation in the Spanish capital of late.

The Brazilian is no longer a guaranteed starter following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain last summer — and that’s where Arsenal come in.

In reaction to the winger’s predicament, Arsenal want to sign Rodrygo, a player who could seriously elevate their attack heading into next season.

However, it currently seems as if Arsenal are waiting to see how Rodrygo feels about leaving now Xabi Alonso has come in as Real Madrid’s new manager.

Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono interest could help Arsenal sign Rodrygo

That being said, Real Madrid’s interest in young River Plate sensation Franco Mastantuono could be good news for Arsenal.

According to journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon, who posted his update on X, Real are now making progress with a deal to sign 17-year-old Mastantuono.

PSG were thought to be leading the race for the seriously talented youngster, but Real are seemingly making a move in the eleventh hour.

Of course, that could be very good news for Arsenal in their own pursuit of Rodrygo, who may not be happy to see another attacking talent signed, even if he is young and relatively inexperienced.

Such is his talent, Mastantuono will be ready for first team minutes immediately at the Santiago Bernabeu, an attacking talent who is comfortable in a number of positions.

Jude Bellingham has called Rodrygo ‘underrated’ in the past, and perhaps Arsenal can make profit from Real’s squad becoming increasingly bloated.

Is Rodrygo actually better than Gabriel Martinelli?

Of course, given that Rodrygo might cost Arsenal around £84m this summer, it’s worth considering if he actually is a huge upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli.

And in terms of the duo’s league numbers from last season via , Rodrygo doesn’t appear to be a clear improvement on Martinelli at all. 

In a similar amount of games, starts and minutes, Martinelli scored more goals, produced higher xG and created more chances.

In fairness to Rodrygo, he was experiencing a frustrating season under Carlo Ancelotti, a player who is still regarded among the world’s best.

It should be noted that Liverpool were also keen on Rodrygo, and in terms of the success of their recruitment team over the years, that is a glowing endorsement.