Brazil's Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. (REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino)
Another season, another near miss for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side once again fell short in the Premier League title race, finishing second for the third consecutive year—this time behind Liverpool.
Despite boasting one of the league’s stingiest defences, it was Arsenal’s inconsistent attacking output that ultimately cost them. The Gunners scored just 69 goals across their 38 matches—17 fewer than Liverpool and well behind the free-scoring pace of other title challengers.
Fans have grown increasingly frustrated by the lack of cutting edge up front, and with Kai Havertz struggling to convince as a central striker and Gabriel Martinelli’s influence fading on the left, the call for attacking reinforcements has never been louder.
Only Bukayo Saka has consistently delivered in the final third, and his place in the starting XI remains untouchable.
While marquee strikers like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres have been linked to bolster the front line, Arsenal are also targeting reinforcements out wide.
According to reports, the club has identified a four-man shortlist of potential winger signings—with one of Brazil’s brightest talents among those under serious consideration.
Rodrygo on Arsenal’s Shortlist
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal have identified four potential winger targets as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of the 2025 season.
The shortlist includes Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané, who is approaching the end of his contract, Athletic Bilbao’s Iñaki Williams, and Aston Villa’s rising star Morgan Rogers.
But the standout name is undoubtedly Rodrygo—the Brazilian international and Real Madrid forward widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted wingers in world football.
Despite his contributions in recent seasons, Rodrygo has seen his minutes reduced at Madrid, particularly in light of Kylian Mbappé’s arrival. The 24-year-old is reportedly unhappy with his growing role as a squad player and is expected to hold talks with new Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso this week. With three years still remaining on his contract, his future remains uncertain—but Arsenal are said to be monitoring the situation closely and ready to make a move if the opportunity arises.
Rodrygo continues to be highly rated by his peers. Jude Bellingham recently spoke glowingly about his Madrid teammate in an interview with CBS Sports: “He’s so underrated. For me, he’s the most gifted player on the team. The things he does with the ball… I look at him and think, ‘How does he do that?’ If I did that, I’d sprain my ankle.”
Bellingham added: “I think he sacrifices the most. We all know that his favourite position is on the left, but he does a lot for the team from the right even though it’s not his position. And he never complains.”
Whether Rodrygo stays in Madrid or looks for a new challenge, Arsenal’s interest signals their intent to add elite-level firepower to their squad—and few players on the market fit that description better.
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