Arsenal and Manchester City Emerge as Front-Runners in Race for Real Madrid Star Rodrygo

Arsenal and Manchester City have reportedly emerged as the leading contenders to sign Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, with the Brazilian international increasingly likely to leave the Santiago Bernabéu.

The 24-year-old, once a key figure in Madrid’s recent dominance, now appears to be approaching a crossroads in his career as his role at the club continues to diminish.

Rodrygo played an important part in Carlo Ancelotti’s trophy-laden side that lifted La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League just 18 months ago. However, his influence has waned significantly since then. Under new head coach Xabi Alonso, the winger has struggled for consistent opportunities, registering only one goal and one assist in 16 league appearances this season.

According to reports from Spain, Rodrygo and his representatives are determined to avoid a repeat of last summer, when interest from Premier League clubs failed to materialise into a move. With competition for attacking places intensifying at Madrid, Rodrygo has found himself pushed to the fringes of the squad, operating behind high-profile stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.

The latest reports suggest there is now little chance of a reversal in his situation at Real Madrid, prompting the player to actively accelerate plans for a departure. Both Arsenal and Manchester City are believed to be monitoring developments closely, viewing Rodrygo as a high-calibre addition capable of elevating their attacking options.

With his talent undoubted and his future in Spain uncertain, a switch to the Premier League is increasingly seen as the most realistic next step, as Rodrygo looks to revive his form and reclaim a central role at club level.