Is Arsenal's coveted attacking target now slipping towards another Premier League giant?

Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes has become increasingly complicated, with recent reports suggesting that the deal is now in doubt.

The Gunners have monitored the Brazilian for months, viewing him as a marquee attacking addition later in the window.

However, the arrival of multiple signings and a shift in priorities have slowed momentum, while the player’s status at Madrid remains unresolved.

According to Cadena SER, Real Madrid are preparing for a series of summer exits following a string of high-profile signings, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono.

Rodrygo is among the names being considered for departure, but his situation is far from straightforward.

Despite barely featuring under Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup — accumulating just 95 minutes across six matches — Madrid remain reluctant to part with the 24-year-old unless a substantial offer is made.

Sources suggest Madrid are holding out for a fee close to €90 million, a figure Arsenal have yet to meet and which Premier League clubs generally regard as excessive.

With the Gunners on the verge of finalising moves for Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera, their ability to launch a major bid for Rodrygo has diminished.

The situation is further complicated by the emergence of Liverpool as a serious contender.

Arne Slot is said to admire Rodrygo, and Liverpool may accelerate their interest if Luis Diaz leaves, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona both courting the Colombian.

At present, Arsenal have not walked away from the deal, but contacts between the two camps have reportedly stalled.

The initial hope had been that Rodrygo’s limited role in Madrid’s pre-season and the club’s desire to trim their squad would create the right conditions for a deal.

Instead, uncertainty over the player’s price and the Gunners’ current transfer commitments have made an immediate move unlikely.

Madrid, for their part, remain undecided.

They are open to offers, but refuse to lower their valuation, as they still regard Rodrygo as one of the most marketable young forwards in Europe.

While Rodrygo is open to a Premier League switch and sees Arsenal as an attractive option, a summer transfer now depends on whether the Gunners decide to reignite talks — or allow a rival to take the lead.

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