Arsenal defender, Gabriel Magalhaes, has thrown his support behind the club’s pursuit of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, as speculation over a potential summer move gathers momentum.
With Mikel Arteta eager to reinforce his attacking options ahead of next season, targeting both a new striker and a versatile forward, Rodrygo has emerged as a serious candidate.
The Brazilian international, who joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2018 for £39.3 million, has had a trophy-laden spell at the Bernabeu, winning 13 titles including three La Liga crowns and two Champions League trophies.
Now 24, Rodrygo is reportedly set to discuss his future with new Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso, as the Spanish giants consider offloading him.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea have shown interest, with Madrid said to be open to selling for a fee of around £67.5 million.
Rodrygo ended the season with an impressive tally of 14 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.
Gabriel, who shares the international stage with Rodrygo in Brazil’s national team setup, spoke about his admiration for the winger during an appearance on the Podpah Podcast.
When asked if he had any inside knowledge on Arsenal’s efforts to sign Rodrygo, Gabriel responded, “I don’t. No, I don’t, not really,” he said.
“But I’d like obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He’s not at Arsenal… If it depended on me, I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon.
“His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course.”
Despite the growing rumours, Alonso has previously suggested that Rodrygo remains a key part of his plans at Real Madrid.
“Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player, and I will speak with everyone who is part of Real Madrid,” Alonso said last month.
“Rodrygo is a spectacular player and we will need him. He deserves it, and so do we.”
Rodrygo’s future remains uncertain, but with top Premier League clubs circling, the Brazilian star could be one of the most talked-about names of the summer transfer window.
