Arsenal get major Rodrygo transfer boost as move decided in huge Tottenham blow

Arsenal have been handed a significant boost in their potential pursuit of Real Madrid winger Rodrygo. Spanish publication Marca have reported that the Gunners-linked forward became increasingly frustrated throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Despite appearing in 50 fixtures across all competitions, including 38 from the start, his position was transformed due to the marquee signings of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, resulting in tactical modifications by then-boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The Brazilian has subsequently found opportunities limited under new Real manager, Xabi Alonso, at the recent Club World Cup where he was relegated to the substitutes' bench for half of their fixtures.

READ MORE: Arsenal handed unexpected £43m transfer green light as 'agreement' reached

READ MORE: Martin Zubimendi fooled millions of Arsenal fans with Man Utd masterclass

The Guardianhave recently suggested that Arsenal, alongside Premier League title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, are remaining 'attentive' to developments,ready to pounce should tensions escalate further during the summer.

And Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague has revealed that City's Savinho will now remain at the Etihad Stadium despite being linked with a switch to Tottenham Hotspur. He adds that this concludes City's interest in Rodrygo - removing a potential rival to Arsenal from the race for his signature.

"Manchester City have decided Savinho is to stay," he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"That kills any possibility of Rodrygo joining City (Real Madrid did not get an offer for him as it was depending on Savinho leaving)."

The Athletic have previously reported that the Brazil international has admirers among Arteta's coaching staff. The Gunners are said to be keeping tabs on him.

Current Arsenal defender and Brazil teammate, Gabriel, has recently praised the Real forward's level when asked if the attacker would be joining him in Arteta's squad.

"I don't know," he said via Sports Mole. "I would like it, but who knows?

"Rodrygo for me is a phenomenon. People are mentioning his name a lot.

"If it depended on me, of course. As I said, he's a phenomenon."