Arsenal make contact with Real Madrid over surprise transfer after Vini Jr setback

Arsenal have reportedly contacted Real Madrid about a potential move for Rodrygo next year.

The Gunners are keen to add another attacker to their squad after missing out on a summer move for Vinicius Junior. They are understood to be interested in his Madrid teammate.

Rodrygo has not played since suffering a serious knee injury in March, but that has not stopped Arsenal from exploring a potential deal to sign him once he returns to full fitness.

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Arsenal contact Real Madrid over surprise transfer

Arsenal have reportedly already reached out to Real Madrid to establish whether there is any possibility of a move for Rodrygo next year.

teamTALK claims that Mikel Arteta's side remain 'huge admirers' of the Brazilian forward and that he was 'very close to the top' of their summer wishlist before suffering his knee injury back in March.

It is well documented that Arsenal were in contact with Madrid throughout the summer over a possible deal for Vinicius, while they also made tentative enquiries about fellow forward Endrick.

The report states that Arsenal still want to sign another left-sided attacker next year after allowing both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli to leave the club in the summer, while they signed Christos Tzolis.

It is claimed that Rodrygo remains firmly among those attacking options, with Arsenal retaining a strong appreciation of both his quality and versatility.

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Rodrygo focused on Real Madrid return

Although there is plenty of speculation over his future, Rodrygo is focused on returning to full fitness after six months on the sidelines.

The report claims the 25-year-old is confident he will be back in action by December and is determined to beat the club's initial timeframe for a return early next year.

If he manages to prove his fitness before the end of the year, Rodrygo could become a target for Arsenal as early as the January transfer window, although a move next summer would appear more likely.

Rodrygo is under contract until June 2028, so next year could represent one of the final opportunities for Real Madrid to receive a substantial transfer fee for his services. The forward has scored 71 goals and registered 57 assists since joining from Brazilian club Santos in 2019.

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