European Powerhouses Battle Arsenal and Man City for Real Madrid Star Rodrygo
Bayern Munich have emerged as the newest club reportedly pursuing Real Madrid's sidelined star Rodrygo.
Rodrygo has found himself at the heart of transfer rumors ever since Carlo Ancelotti left him on the bench during a crucial Clásico encounter in May. The Brazilian forward concluded his 2024–25 campaign without finding the net across 25 outings from March through this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, where he featured for merely four minutes during the elimination rounds.
It has become progressively evident that Rodrygo doesn't feature in Xabi Alonso's short-term strategy. The newly appointed Real Madrid manager has relegated the 24-year-old to the bench in three out of Real Madrid's six fixtures since assuming control, choosing instead to deploy Gonzalo García alongside Vinícius Júnior while Kylian Mbappé was recovering from his ailment.
Several Premier League sides, notably Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, have been connected to Rodrygo during this transfer window, alongside reigning European titleholders Paris Saint-Germain. Currently, another continental powerhouse is entering the competition for the coveted winger.
AS correspondent Eduardo Burgos indicates Bayern Munich are "keeping tabs on" Rodrygo's circumstances and would be prepared to offer €100 million ($116.1 million) for the Real Madrid talent should they be unsuccessful in persuading Liverpool to part with Luis Díaz.
Vincent Kompany's squad requires reinforcement on the left flank. Kingsley Coman has underperformed recently, particularly in matches against elite European opposition.
The French player managed only two strikes during this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, with both coming against Auckland City. Coman additionally scored just once across 11 outings in the German club's 2024–25 Champions League run.
Following Leroy Sané's departure to Galatasaray as a free agent and Jamal Musiala's absence due to a prolonged ankle problem, Bayern Munich's offensive line desperately needs another attacking option to complement Harry Kane and Michael Olise. Rodrygo not only serves as an inventive creator but also possesses the ability to deliver crucial goals when it matters most.
Bayern Munich will face stiff competition from other European clubs, however, should they genuinely wish to secure Rodrygo's services for Germany this summer. Arsenal, specifically, have spearheaded the pursuit of the Brazilian as Mikel Arteta seeks to construct an attacking force capable of finally claiming the Premier League crown, though Manchester City have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
Rodrygo has featured in 270 matches for Real Madrid, contributing to Los Blancos' collection of 13 trophies during his tenure, including two Champions League victories and three La Liga championships.