Arsenal are keen on signing Rodrygo and manager Mikel Arteta has even considered the possibility of offering William Saliba in exchange, aware that the French defender is a long-time target for Real Madrid. However, club president Florentino Perez has no intention of accepting such a deal, according to Defensa Central.
The Spanish club believe Rodrygo holds a higher market value than Saliba, and are also taking into account the defender’s contract situation. Saliba’s current deal expires in 2026, and if he does not renew, his transfer value is expected to drop significantly by the summer.
Rodrygo is under contract at the Bernabeu until June 2028, but there is a chance he could leave at the end of the season. While Real Madrid are not actively looking to sell him, they would be open to a transfer if the player himself feels unhappy or uncomfortable. So far, the Brazilian has not expressed a desire to leave, and all suggestions remain rumours.
The winger has been training separately from the main group and will not feature in Madrid’s next match against Sevilla. It remains to be seen whether he will play in the final La Liga game of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu. While it would normally be expected for him to take part, the current uncertainty around his future makes it difficult to predict.
Real Madrid have complete faith in Rodrygo’s talent and believe he has everything needed to become one of the best players in the world. However, his lack of consistency has limited his impact, especially in a squad full of high-level talent. That situation could tempt the 24-year-old to consider a move to a club where he would be the main figure.
A transfer fee of between €80m and €100m could be required to price him away from Madrid. Rodrygo is highly rated in the Premier League and by Paris Saint-Germain, and a summer exit cannot be ruled out. He has not been comfortable with a secondary role behind Vinicius, Bellingham and Mbappe, and believes he deserves equal status and recognition.