Premier League clubs ready for Rodrygo transfer scramble as Real Madrid star considers summer move
In a development that could send shockwaves through the European transfer market, Rodrygo Goes appears to be edging closer to a sensational departure from Real Madrid. The 24-year-old Brazilian winger—long viewed as a cornerstone of Madrid’s future—may now be preparing to write his next chapter away from the Spanish capital, as top Premier League clubs prepare to pounce.
Growing unrest in Madrid: Rodrygo at a crossroads
Rodrygo’s situation has taken a dramatic turn in recent weeks. The talented forward was notably absent from Real Madrid’s thrilling 4-3 defeat in El Clásico last Sunday, a match in which he might have been expected to play a key role. His omission from the squad has only intensified speculation that all is not well between Rodrygo and the club’s hierarchy.
Spanish outlet Marca went a step further, reporting that the Brazilian has effectively secluded himself at home, apparently disillusioned with his current role at the club and seeking a way out. For a player who has delivered some memorable moments in white—especially in Champions League clashes—this marks a stark contrast to the high expectations that followed his arrival from Santos in 2019.
Though he remains under contract, the mood music around Valdebebas suggests the winds of change could be about to blow. Sources close to the dressing room suggest that Rodrygo is frustrated with being overshadowed by Vinicius Junior and, potentially, by the impending arrival of Kylian Mbappé. With two of the world’s most high-profile forwards dominating the flanks, Rodrygo is thought to be concerned about how his own career will evolve if he stays in Madrid.
England calling: City and Arsenal lead Premier League chase
While Rodrygo’s future at Madrid hangs in the balance, interest from England is beginning to heat up. According to AS, a number of Premier League clubs have already made enquiries about the player’s availability this summer. Manchester City are currently said to be leading the chase, with Pep Guardiola keen to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Guardiola is believed to see Rodrygo as a perfect fit for his fluid attacking system—a player who can play on either wing, work hard off the ball, and provide both goals and assists at the highest level. With Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva facing uncertain futures, and Jeremy Doku still settling into English football, City may view Rodrygo as a ready-made solution.
Arsenal, too, are monitoring the situation closely. Mikel Arteta’s side, who have mounted back-to-back Premier League title challenges, are reportedly on the lookout for a versatile forward who can operate both out wide and through the middle. Though primarily a winger, Rodrygo’s ability to play centrally in a false nine role could be appealing to Arteta, especially given the club’s ongoing search for a reliable striker.
Chelsea and Manchester United have also been tentatively linked, though the financial and strategic appeal of City and Arsenal may ultimately tip the scales in their favour.
Rodrygo breaks silence: “Stop making things up”
Amid the media frenzy, Rodrygo finally addressed the growing speculation this week with a brief but telling message on social media. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “Thanks for all the messages and concerns. I’ll be back soon. Stop making things up.”
While his words appear to downplay some of the more dramatic claims circulating in the press, they stop short of offering a definitive commitment to Real Madrid. And in football, silence—or even vague reassurances—often speaks volumes.
His message suggests he’s aware of the noise but isn’t ready to fully engage with it yet. Whether that’s a sign of ongoing negotiations, internal discussions at Madrid, or simply a desire to focus on football remains unclear. But what is obvious is that this story isn’t going away any time soon.
The Mbappé factor: Too many stars, not enough spotlight?
Much of Rodrygo’s frustration seems to stem from the club’s long-standing pursuit of Kylian Mbappé, which now looks to be nearing completion. The French superstar is expected to arrive at the Bernabéu this summer after years of courtship, and while his addition would undoubtedly bolster Madrid’s already formidable squad, it also raises significant questions about how the attacking trio will be structured.
Vinicius Junior has firmly established himself as Madrid’s undisputed starter on the left. Mbappé—though naturally a left-winger himself—has the tools to play through the middle or on the right. That leaves Rodrygo fighting for minutes, often in less comfortable positions, and potentially as a backup.
For a player of Rodrygo’s age and ability, the idea of becoming a permanent squad option rather than a starter is understandably unappealing. He may not want to spend the prime years of his career as a luxury rotation player, especially when clubs across Europe are prepared to make him their headline act.
What next for Madrid?
In the more immediate term, Madrid’s focus will shift back to domestic matters. Los Blancos face a crucial La Liga clash against Mallorca on Wednesday—a must-win game in their bid to stay alive in the title race. Should they drop points, Barcelona could be crowned champions with three games to spare, adding yet more pressure to an already tense atmosphere in the Spanish capital.
An early league exit and growing player unrest could spell the end of what has been a turbulent but still impressive campaign for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. With a Champions League semifinal looming and the summer transfer window creeping closer, Madrid may be forced to make some tough decisions about how to reshape their squad.
Whether that includes parting ways with Rodrygo remains to be seen. But if he does go, he’ll leave behind both a legacy of big moments and a lingering sense of what might have been.
Final thoughts: The start of something new?
Rodrygo’s time at Real Madrid has had its highs—most notably his late-game heroics in Europe—and there’s little doubt about his talent or potential. But with new faces arriving, old dynamics shifting, and Premier League clubs ready to offer him the starring role he craves, this summer might just be the right time for a bold new move.
For now, all eyes remain on Madrid. But across the Channel, in the halls of Manchester, London, and beyond, plans are already being drawn up for what could be one of the summer’s most intriguing transfers.
