Manchester City deliberates over potential acquisition of Rodrygo
In the ongoing transfer saga of Rodrygo Goes, Manchester City has stepped back from pursuing the Real Madrid forward, focusing instead on retaining their winger Savinho. This development opens a clear opportunity for Arsenal, who are actively interested and have held talks with Real Madrid regarding a transfer.
Manchester City had earlier prepared a possible €100 million offer for Rodrygo—comprising €80 million guaranteed with €20 million in add-ons—but the move was contingent on selling Savinho, which did not happen, forcing City to drop their interest. Arsenal may prefer a left-footed or natural left winger, which complicates their pursuit, since Rodrygo is right-footed and favors the right wing.
Liverpool remains in the running, with Rodrygo reportedly keen on a move to Anfield and impressed by the prospect of playing under Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot. The Reds, however, are currently satisfied with Cody Gakpo and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha as options on the left attacking flank, and the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich did not open the door for Rodrygo Goes at Liverpool.
Real Madrid has set Rodrygo’s asking price at around €90 million (£76.8m), and the player has been told he can leave this summer. Manchester City needs to meet this price if they are to reignite their interest, and they would also need to persuade Rodrygo to leave the Spanish capital.
Arsenal may prefer a loan deal or may need to free up squad space before making a move for Rodrygo. Liverpool, on the other hand, appears to be a strong contender thanks to Rodrygo’s preference, adding competitive pressure on Arsenal to act decisively.
In summary, Manchester City is out of the race for now, leaving Arsenal and Liverpool as the main contenders to sign Rodrygo this summer. The transfer saga continues, with both clubs vying for the signature of the talented Real Madrid forward.
Table:
| Club | Current Status | Potential Transfer Fee | Additional Notes | |-------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Manchester City | Interest dropped after Savinho retention | Planned offer up to €100m | Dependent on Savinho sale; now paused | | Arsenal | Interested; held talks | €90m asking price | May seek loan; squad space needs freeing; prefers left-footed wingers | | Liverpool | Interested; player keen | Reported considering cost similar to Arsenal | Rodrygo attracted by Liverpool’s manager; strong contender currently |
- With Manchester City backing away from pursuing Rodrygo Goes, there is a prospect for Arsenal to intensify their transfer negotiations, especially since they have met with Real Madrid and Rodrygo's asking price aligns with their budget.
- Despite Arsenal's potential interest, Liverpool remains a formidable contender as Rodrygo allegedly is keen on joining them and has been impressed by their manager, thereby adding competitive pressure on Arsenal to act decisively.
