The 2025 summer transfer window has already delivered drama, and few stories are more compelling than the uncertainty surrounding Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger Rodrygo. With Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool all monitoring his situation, the 24-year-old could be at the heart of one of the decade’s biggest transfer sagas.
The Premier League title race has begun with unexpected twists. Defending champions Manchester City stumbled with a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, hinting at possible weaknesses. Arsenal, meanwhile, announced themselves with a ruthless 5-0 win over Leeds, while Liverpool impressed under new boss Arne Slot, beating Bournemouth 4-2 and showing signs of evolution in their style.
City have already moved aggressively in the market, nearing a deal for PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose qualities perfectly suit Pep Guardiola’s system. Yet with Savinho potentially leaving for Tottenham, City are also eyeing Rodrygo as a marquee addition.
Since joining Madrid in 2019, Rodrygo has grown into a Champions League-proven star, admired for his speed, versatility, and composure in big moments. His decision to task super-agents Pini Zahavi and Kia Joorabchian with exploring opportunities shows his openness to a new challenge, putting Madrid in a tricky position. Xabi Alonso has continued to rely on him, but the club’s €100m price tag signals both resistance to losing him and a willingness to cash in if the offer is right.
Guardiola views Rodrygo as an ideal fit for City’s fluid attack, while Mikel Arteta sees him as the missing piece in Arsenal’s rebuild — offering creativity, pace, and long-term value. Liverpool, under Slot, are also in the mix, hoping to add another Brazilian to a roster that has historically embraced them.
Financially, the move is complicated. Rodrygo’s wages and Madrid’s valuation will test clubs’ budgets under Financial Fair Play. But the prize — a Champions League-proven, marketable star entering his prime — ensures competition will be fierce.
For Rodrygo, this decision could define the next stage of his career. Staying at Madrid secures his status at one of football’s biggest clubs, while a Premier League move offers new challenges and exposure in the world’s most competitive league.
His choice will not just shape his career but could also shift the balance of power among Europe’s top clubs. City, Arsenal, and Liverpool each represent unique opportunities, making this saga one of the defining stories of the 2025 summer window
