Arsenal have been handed a monumental boost in their pursuit of Rodrygo, with Real Madrid reportedly informing suitors that they have slashed the Brazilian forward's asking price by nearly £25 million ahead of the January window.
The race for the 24-year-old’s signature has intensified significantly this week. Just days after Pep Guardiola was seen courting the player following Manchester City’s Champions League victory at the Bernabeu, a new report from AFTV indicates that the financials of the deal have shifted dramatically in Arsenal’s favour.
The £61m Bargain
Initial projections had placed Rodrygo’s valuation in the region of £85-90 million—a figure that threatened to price the Gunners out of a mid-season move. However, fresh information emanating from the Spanish capital suggests that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has authorised a sale for a fee closer to £61 million.
This "new price" reflects the player's diminished status under Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian has started only three La Liga games this season and, prior to his goal against City on Wednesday, had endured a goal drought stretching back to March. With the Madrid dressing room reportedly becoming a "cauldron of chaos" due to the ego clash between Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo has become the unfortunate casualty whom the club are willing to sacrifice to balance the books.
Edu's Opportunity vs Pep's Pull
For Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar, this price drop is a game-changer. The Gunners have been desperate to reinforce their left wing, where Gabriel Martinelli has shouldered a heavy burden. The opportunity to sign a player of Rodrygo’s Champions League pedigree for £61m—significantly less than the fees paid for Declan Rice or Kai Havertz—is viewed internally as a market opportunity that cannot be ignored.
However, the North Londoners face a formidable obstacle in Manchester City. While Arsenal can offer the allure of a growing Brazilian contingent and the "London lifestyle," City boss Pep Guardiola has already made his personal pitch to the player. The question now is whether Arsenal can move faster. With City potentially bogged down in negotiations over the higher valuation, Arsenal could look to trigger talks at this new, lower price point immediately.
Tactical Fit for Arteta
Mikel Arteta is believed to view Rodrygo as the perfect hybrid forward for his system. Capable of playing across the front three, his technical security in tight spaces mirrors the profile of Leandro Trossard but with superior explosive pace. In a title race where Arsenal currently sit top—narrowly ahead of City—adding a proven winner could be the decisive factor in finally bringing the Premier League trophy back to the Emirates.
What Happens Next?
Arsenal have been "informed" of the new price, which effectively acts as a starting gun. The club must now decide whether to divert funds reserved for the summer to sanction a January raid. If Edu places a £61m bid on the table next week, it will force Real Madrid’s hand and test just how serious Man City’s interest truly is. The ball is firmly in Arsenal's court.