Real Madrid make Rodrygo stance crystal clear to Arsenal as Berta prepares January bid

Arsenal are believed to be preparing a January bid for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with sporting director Andrea Berta given some real encouragement that it can be done.

Rodrygo poised for January exit after Real Madrid snubs

Rodrygo is a very familiar name to Gunners supporters.

Berta and co held some talks about signing the Brazil international last summer, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, before opting for Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze instead.

While that door ultimately slammed shut in the last transfer window, Arsenal could yet be given another chance to land the versatile £282,000-per-week forward, who’s steadily falling out of favour under Xabi Alonso.

Rodrygo has started just three out of his last 12 La Liga matches, playing 330 minutes in total, and this is a far cry from how pivotal he was for Carlo Ancelotti.

Scoring 14 goals and registering a further 11 assists over 54 appearances in all competitions last term, Jude Bellingham is also on record calling Rodrygo their most ‘gifted’ and ‘underrated’ player.

However, Alonso clearly doesn’t see it that way, and credible reports now suggest that a January exit is very much on the cards for Rodrygo as he vies for consistent playing time.

Chelsea and Tottenham have also been linked with the 24-year-old, and it is believed by some that he is ‘on the brink‘ of leaving the Bernabeu with England a very viable potential destination.

Arsenal preparing January bid for Rodrygo with Real Madrid stance clear

CaughtOffside now have an update on his future, and it partly concerns Arsenal.

According to their information, Arsenal are preparing a January bid for Rodrygo, and sporting director Andrea Berta, alongside other interested parties like Liverpool, have been informed about Real’s stance.

Los Blancos will consider selling the ex-Santos sensation next month, provided they get a suitable offer, with Real demanding around £75-80 million.

Arsenal and Liverpool are also named as the lead contenders to strike a winter deal, and it could make sense considering the uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

As things stand, both men are out of contract in 2027. There’s also been little in the way of talks over extensions, despite both of their impressive contributions this season.

Rodrygo would be an absolutely stellar replacement for either or both, but given Arsenal are never usually active in January when it comes to big-name, marquee deals, it would also be a very surprise coup midway through the campaign.