Arsenal transfer news: Real Madrid winger Rodrygo has no plans to join Arsenal during the January transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel.
Romano explained that Arsenal wanted the Brazilian during the summer 2025 transfer window, but the move never materialised. The London club’s interest therefore predates the current campaign, although the latest update offers little encouragement for a January approach.
Rodrygo’s current situation makes the report particularly significant. The 25-year-old has recorded zero appearances, goals and assists for Real Madrid during the 2026/27 season so far.
He has remained sidelined since March 2, 2026, when he suffered a serious right knee injury against Getafe in La Liga. The injury involved both his anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus.
According to reports, his rehabilitation has progressed ahead of schedule. He hopes to regain full fitness by Christmas, with a potential return around December 2026 or January 2027.
That recovery timeline leaves little room for a straightforward mid-season transfer. Rodrygo must first regain match fitness before considering a move, while Real Madrid would need to decide whether they want to sell a player who remains under contract.
Arsenal transfer news: Why can Arsenal move on from Rodrygo?
Missing Rodrygo wouldn’t leave Arsenal without attacking options, even though his qualities would suit Mikel Arteta’s system.
The Brazilian offers excellent close control, clever movement and the ability to operate across the front three. He often drifts inside from the wing, combines with midfielders and creates openings against compact defences.
His performances in major European matches have strengthened his reputation as a player who can produce decisive moments under pressure. That profile would complement Arsenal’s fluid attacking structure.
However, the financial and sporting risks deserve attention. Real Madrid’s reported valuation approaches €100 million, while a major knee reconstruction creates uncertainty around a player’s return to his previous level.
Arsenal have already added Eberechi Eze and Christos Tzolis after the departures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, giving Arteta more flexibility in attack.
Which Arsenal targets could offer a different solution?
Kenan Yıldız remains a possible option because of his close control, versatility and ability to press from advanced positions.
Julián Álvarez offers another profile. Arsenal monitored the Atlético Madrid forward during the summer, and his work rate and positional flexibility would suit Arteta’s demands.
Nico Williams provides a different threat, using his pace and touchline positioning to stretch defensive lines.
For Arsenal, the key question concerns timing. Pursuing an expensive winger during a long recovery could create unnecessary uncertainty, particularly when the club already have attacking reinforcements.
