Rodrygo to Arsenal transfer is on as Real Madrid stance gives Gunners a chance

Arsenal have reportedly been given the green light to move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo this summer. The Gunners havelong been linked with the Brazilian forward, as Mikel Arteta targets a left-sided forward to help boost next season's Premier League title challenge.

The 24-year-old is currently with the La Liga side in the US for the Club World Cup. However, he didn't feature in the last-16 win over Juventus, having again been confined to the bench by new manager Xabi Alonso. It follows a season where he is said to have grown frustrated at Real having been deployed out of position by Alonso's predecessor Carlo Ancelotti.

His future appeared uncertain before the club kicked off its campaign in America. However, according to The Athletic, Alonso is now open to letting him leave.

The Spaniard and club bosses seemingly want what they consider the right bid, though. Real reportedly value Rodrygo, who arrived from Santos in June 2019 in a £38million deal, at around £77m.

Given that his contract runs until June 2028, Real are not under pressure to sell at a cut price. They're also likely to demand their quoted price for a player who has scored 68 times in 269 club appearances, in order to help spend big elsewhere.

It's still a fee that appears within Arsenal's reach as Arteta desperately seeks to boost his firepower before the summer window closes. While Rodrygo does not signify the central striker that club fans are craving, his pace and creativity appear ideal for Arteta's preference for a front three.

Rodrygo has remained tight-lipped about his future. He's also been linked with Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Manchester City, but Arsenal currently appear in pole position for his signature.

No move is likely to go through until Real finish their World Club Cup campaign. Alonso's side play Borussia Dortmund in New Jersey on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals.