The future of Rodrygo Goes at Real Madrid remains uncertain, and the Brazilian is starting to run out of options to leave this summer. Arsenal, which had made him a priority to strengthen its left wing, has decided to definitively rule out signing him. It has done so due to the lack of progress in negotiations with Madrid. The London club has already closed its alternative, and according to Fabrizio Romano, the chosen one is Noni Madueke, current Chelsea player.
Arsenal moves on from Rodrygo
The team led by Arteta has spent weeks searching for a winger with dribbling skills, goal-scoring ability, and imbalance to compete at the highest level in the Premier League and Champions League. Rodrygo fit that profile perfectly. At 24 years old, the Real Madrid striker had been identified as one of the most interesting players on the market, especially after Xabi Alonso's arrival at Bernabéu, who has made it clear that he doesn't count on him.
Despite Arsenal's genuine interest, the high transfer fee has been the main obstacle. Florentino Pérez remains firm and is not willing to sell Rodrygo Goes for less than €90 million, an amount the Gunners consider off the market. From London, they believe that, for a much lower price, they can sign a player just as young, with potential, and who fits the club's salary conditions better.
Noni Madueke: similar and cheaper
Thus, Arsenal has decided to focus all its efforts on signing Noni Madueke, a footballer who already knows the Premier League and doesn't need to adapt. The 23-year-old English striker was one of the few positive notes for Chelsea last season. He will arrive at Emirates Stadium for a fee slightly above €50 million (about $54.4 million), practically half of what Rodrygo would cost.
This turn in the market leaves the Brazilian in a delicate situation. According to sources close to the locker room, Xabi Alonso doesn't consider Rodrygo a key piece for next season. The emergence of Gonzalo García, the growth of Arda Güler, and the signing of Mastantuono relegate him to a secondary role in the new project. The club had hoped for a major sale to raise funds, but Arsenal's rejection is a major setback for the planning of departures.
Uncertain future for Rodrygo
Moreover, the situation doesn't seem to be improving as days go by. Other interested parties such as Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain have also cooled off, and the player still has not taken the step of formally requesting to leave the club. At this point, Rodrygo Goes is running out of market, and his future is more uncertain than ever.
Arsenal has already moved on: Madueke will be its new winger. Meanwhile, Real Madrid still can't find a destination for Rodrygo, who sees one of his best doors to a new challenge outside Bernabéu closing.