Real Madrid News
Arsenal make €100 million-rated Real Madrid forward their No. 1 priority this summer
One of the players that are staring at an uncertain future at Real Madrid heading into the summer is forward Rodrygo Goes.
The 24-year-old Brazilian international suffered from a dip in form this season and lost prominence in the team especially during the final phases of the campaign.
There has been a lot of speculation surrounding his future as a result, with reports suggesting that the former Santos prodigy is seeking a summer exit while some sources have claimed that he intends to stay and prove himself under Xabi Alonso.
Arsenal see Rodrygo as priority
Amidst all this, Arsenal have emerged as a suitor for Rodrygo, with journalist Rodra, via Hand of Arsenal, reporting that the Real Madrid forward is a priority target for the Gunners.
Indeed, with Mikel Arteta’s team looking for a new winger, Rodrygo has bene identified as the No. 1 target for the summer.
The Arsenal recruitment team is in an unanimous agreement that the Real Madrid ace could be the difference-maker in their hunt for trophies after yet another campaign without any major silverware.
In fact, the report states that several key figures from Arsenal, including some first-team players, have reached out to the Brazilian to speak to him about the life at the club and in London.
Meeting with Xabi Alonso key
Rodrygo is set to have a meeting with new Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso in the coming days which will be key to defining his future.
During the meeting, the forward wishes to make it clear to the new coach that he believes that his best position is on the left wing – currently occupied by his compatriot Vinicius Jr.
Rodrygo is of the belief that this role is where he can perform at his maximum potential and showcase his best qualities.
The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the USA could thus be crucial for Rodrygo as far as his future at Real Madrid are concerned.
Arsenal, for their part, are waiting to pounce and are prepared to pull off another ‘Mesut Ozil’ type signing. They plan to present a strong financial offer if the player becomes available.
Much will depend on how the meeting between Rodrygo and Alonso goes.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
