Real Madrid superstar ‘waiting for Man City’ as insider rates transfer chances

The summer transfer window of 2025 has brought with it one of the most intriguing storylines in European football: the potential departure of Rodrygo Goes from Real Madrid. The Brazilian winger, who has been a key figure at the Santiago Bernabéu for several seasons, now finds himself at the center of a transfer tug-of-war between Premier League giants Manchester City and Arsenal. This developing saga represents more than just a simple player transfer; it encapsulates the modern dynamics of elite football, where squad rotation, tactical preferences, and financial constraints create opportunities for seismic shifts in the transfer market.

The 24-year-old Brazilian international has established himself as one of the most versatile and technically gifted forwards in world football. However, his future at Real Madrid has become increasingly uncertain following a series of developments that have reshaped the club’s attacking hierarchy. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain, the continued excellence of Vinícius Júnior, and the emergence of Jude Bellingham as a central figure in Madrid’s tactical setup have all contributed to a situation where Rodrygo’s role has become less defined and, arguably, less secure.

The Catalyst: Mbappé’s Arrival and Squad Dynamics

The foundation of Rodrygo’s current predicament can be traced back to the summer of 2024, when Real Madrid finally succeeded in their long-pursued acquisition of Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar’s arrival on a free transfer from PSG was hailed as a masterstroke by Madrid’s hierarchy, adding another dimension to an already formidable attacking unit. However, every addition to a squad inevitably creates ripple effects, and Rodrygo has found himself most directly impacted by these changes.

Prior to Mbappé’s arrival, Rodrygo had carved out a significant role in Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical system. His versatility allowed him to operate across the front line, though he consistently expressed a preference for playing on the left wing rather than his frequently assigned position on the right. This positional flexibility, while valuable to the team, may have inadvertently contributed to his current situation, as it made him easier to accommodate in different roles rather than cementing him as an indispensable starter in a specific position.

The 2024-25 campaign provided a clear illustration of how Madrid’s attacking hierarchy had evolved. With Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham emerging as the primary stars of the squad, Rodrygo found himself competing for limited opportunities in the starting eleven. Despite his professionalism and continued contributions when called upon, the Brazilian began to lose his status as a guaranteed starter, particularly in La Liga matches during the latter stages of the domestic season.

Performance Analysis: Rodrygo’s Continued Excellence

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Rodrygo’s performances during the 2024-25 season demonstrated his continued value as a world-class player. His statistics tell the story of a player who remained productive even with reduced playing time and an evolving role within the squad. Across all competitions, including the Club World Cup, Rodrygo managed to contribute 14 goals and 11 assists in 52 appearances, numbers that underscore his efficiency and impact when given opportunities.

These figures become even more impressive when contextualized within Madrid’s tactical evolution under Ancelotti and the subsequent transition to Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian’s ability to maintain his scoring and creative output while adapting to different tactical systems and reduced starting opportunities speaks to his technical quality and mental resilience. His performances in crucial matches, particularly in European competitions, continued to showcase the flair and composure that made him such a coveted talent when Madrid first signed him from Santos.

The versatility that Rodrygo brings to any squad cannot be overstated. His comfort operating across multiple positions in attack, combined with his pace, technical ability, and eye for goal, makes him an attractive proposition for any top-level club. His Champions League pedigree, having won the competition twice with Madrid, adds another layer of appeal for clubs looking to strengthen their European ambitions.

The Alonso Factor: New Management, New Opportunities?

The appointment of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s new head coach, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, introduced another variable into Rodrygo’s future. Alonso’s arrival was met with considerable excitement from Madrid supporters, given his stellar work at Bayer Leverkusen and his deep understanding of the club’s culture and expectations. However, for Rodrygo, the managerial change represented both an opportunity and a potential risk.

Alonso’s public comments about Rodrygo have been overwhelmingly positive, with the new Madrid boss describing the Brazilian as a “spectacular” player. This endorsement suggests that Alonso recognizes Rodrygo’s quality and potential contributions to his tactical system. However, the reality of squad management at a club like Real Madrid means that even spectacular players can find themselves surplus to requirements if they don’t fit into the coach’s long-term vision or if their departure can facilitate other strategic objectives.

The tactical philosophy that Alonso brings to Madrid could significantly impact Rodrygo’s role within the squad. Known for his preference for technical, possession-based football with high pressing and intricate movement patterns, Alonso’s system could either perfectly suit Rodrygo’s skill set or expose areas where other players might be better suited to the specific demands of each position. This uncertainty has likely contributed to Madrid’s apparent willingness to consider offers for the Brazilian.

Financial Considerations: The €90 Million Valuation

Real Madrid’s decision to set Rodrygo’s price tag at €90 million (approximately £77 million or $104.5 million) reflects both their recognition of his market value and their strategic approach to potential squad restructuring. This valuation places Rodrygo firmly in the category of elite attacking players, and the figure suggests that Madrid are not actively pushing for his departure but are willing to consider substantial offers that could facilitate other transfer activities.

The €90 million price tag also serves multiple purposes from Madrid’s perspective. Firstly, it acts as a deterrent to clubs that might be interested but not fully committed to making a significant investment. Secondly, it ensures that if Rodrygo does leave, Madrid will receive adequate compensation that can be reinvested in other areas of the squad. The club’s transfer strategy has often involved using sales of valuable players to fund other acquisitions, and Rodrygo’s potential departure could provide the financial flexibility needed for other targets.

For interested clubs, particularly those in the Premier League with substantial financial resources, the €90 million fee represents a significant but not prohibitive investment. The current transfer market, inflated by television revenues and commercial growth, has normalized such figures for players of Rodrygo’s caliber and potential. However, the total cost of acquisition extends beyond the transfer fee to include wages, agent fees, and other associated costs, making it a substantial financial commitment.

Manchester City: The Preferred Destination

According to reports from Spanish media, particularly Cadena SER, Rodrygo’s preference for his next destination is clear: Manchester City. This preference stems from his admiration for Pep Guardiola and his assessment of City as “the best team in the world,” a comment he made in May 2024 that has taken on new significance in light of the current transfer speculation.

Guardiola’s tactical philosophy and track record of developing attacking players could provide an ideal environment for Rodrygo to flourish. The Catalan coach’s preference for technically gifted, versatile forwards who can operate in multiple positions aligns perfectly with Rodrygo’s skill set. Under Guardiola’s guidance, players like Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, and more recently, Jeremy Doku and Savinho have thrived in similar roles to what Rodrygo might expect at the Etihad Stadium.

City’s recent success, including their treble-winning campaign and continued dominance in the Premier League, makes them an attractive destination for any player seeking to compete at the highest level. The prospect of working under Guardiola, competing for major trophies, and playing alongside world-class teammates like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden would likely appeal to any ambitious footballer.

However, the reality of Manchester City’s transfer approach under Guardiola and the club’s hierarchy suggests that they are selective about their major acquisitions. The club’s correspondent for the Daily Mail, Jack Gaughan, has attempted to cool speculation by stating that the club has denied interest in Rodrygo. This could represent genuine disinterest, negotiating tactics, or simply the club’s preference for conducting transfer business away from media attention.

Arsenal’s Persistent Interest

While Rodrygo may be “waiting for Man City,” Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders for his signature, with reports suggesting they have already held preliminary discussions about a potential transfer. Mikel Arteta’s admiration for the Brazilian is well-documented, with the Arsenal manager reportedly viewing Rodrygo as his “dream signing” to address the left-wing position currently occupied by Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo makes considerable tactical sense. The Gunners have been searching for additional attacking depth and quality to complement their existing options. While Gabriel Martinelli has been a valuable contributor, the addition of a player of Rodrygo’s caliber and experience could provide the extra dimension needed to compete consistently at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions.

The financial aspect of Arsenal’s potential pursuit presents both opportunities and challenges. The club has demonstrated their willingness to invest significantly in top-tier talent, as evidenced by their acquisitions of players like Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. The reported €90 million transfer fee, while substantial, falls within the range of what Arsenal might consider for a player they view as transformational.

However, the wage demands associated with Rodrygo’s potential transfer could prove more challenging. Reports suggest that the Brazilian is seeking close to £300,000 per week, which would place him among Arsenal’s highest earners. While the club has shown flexibility in their wage structure for exceptional talents, they would likely seek to negotiate these demands downward or structure the deal in a way that aligns with their financial planning.

The Waiting Game: Timing and Decision-Making

The current situation has created a complex web of interconnected decisions that must be resolved before any transfer can proceed. Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso’s guidance, are still analyzing Rodrygo’s role within their tactical system and squad composition for the upcoming season. This analysis period is crucial as it will determine whether Madrid view Rodrygo as integral to their plans or as a valuable asset that can be sacrificed for the greater good of squad building.

Arsenal’s position in this waiting game is particularly interesting. Reports from The Athletic suggest that the Gunners are “prepared to wait” for Madrid and Rodrygo to reach a decision about his future. However, this patience is not unlimited, as Arsenal are “mindful they cannot wait indefinitely.” This timeline pressure adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as Arsenal must balance their desire for Rodrygo with the practical necessity of securing alternative targets if the Brazilian’s situation remains unresolved.

The timing of any potential resolution will likely be influenced by several factors, including Madrid’s pre-season preparations, their assessment of squad balance, and the progress of their other transfer activities. The club’s ability to secure alternative targets or their success in integrating existing players into new roles could all impact their final decision regarding Rodrygo’s future.

Broader Implications: Market Dynamics and Player Power

Rodrygo’s situation reflects broader trends in the modern transfer market, where player preferences, club strategies, and financial considerations create complex negotiations that extend far beyond simple buyer-seller relationships. The Brazilian’s reported preference for Manchester City over Arsenal, despite the latter’s concrete interest, illustrates how player power and personal preferences can influence transfer outcomes.

This dynamic also highlights the challenges faced by clubs like Arsenal, who must compete not only on financial terms but also on sporting appeal and project attractiveness. While Arsenal have made significant strides under Arteta and can offer Champions League football, the allure of joining a Guardiola-managed Manchester City team that has dominated English football remains strong for many players.

The situation also demonstrates the strategic challenges faced by clubs like Real Madrid when managing squads filled with world-class talent. The need to keep all players happy while maintaining competitive balance creates difficult decisions about who to retain and who to allow to leave. Madrid’s handling of Rodrygo’s situation will likely influence how other players view the club’s commitment to squad depth and rotation opportunities.

Conclusion: An Unresolved Summer Saga

As the summer transfer window progresses, Rodrygo’s future remains one of the most intriguing unresolved storylines in European football. The Brazilian’s talent is undisputed, his market value is established, and the interest from top-tier clubs is genuine. However, the complex interplay of sporting, financial, and personal factors means that predicting the final outcome remains challenging.

For Real Madrid, the decision regarding Rodrygo will likely depend on their assessment of squad balance, tactical requirements, and financial priorities. Xabi Alonso’s evaluation of how the Brazilian fits into his long-term vision for the team will be crucial in determining whether Madrid choose to retain him or cash in on his considerable market value.

For the interested clubs, particularly Arsenal and potentially Manchester City, the coming weeks will require careful navigation of the various factors influencing this transfer. Arsenal’s willingness to wait demonstrates their serious interest, but their patience will eventually be tested if no clear resolution emerges.

Ultimately, Rodrygo’s situation encapsulates the modern football transfer market in all its complexity. Talent, ambition, financial considerations, and strategic thinking all combine to create scenarios where even the most straightforward moves can become protracted sagas. As the summer progresses, the resolution of Rodrygo’s future will likely have significant implications not only for the player himself but for the clubs involved and the broader transfer market dynamics.

The Brazilian’s next move, whenever it materializes, will be one of the most watched transfers of the summer, with the potential to reshape the attacking dynamics of whichever club secures his services. Whether that destination is the Etihad Stadium, the Emirates, or ultimately the Santiago Bernabéu remains to be seen, but the quality and potential impact of the player involved ensures that this story will continue to captivate football fans around the world.