A €70m+ mistake? Why Arsenal must ‘walk away’ from the Rodrygo deal

Arsenal may want to strengthen the left side of their attack this summer, but Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes should not be the answer.

While the player is undoubtedly talented and experienced at the highest level, the structure of the proposed deal is a major red flag — and there are more cost-effective options out there.

Initially valued at around €90 million by Madrid, Rodrygo has not attracted concrete interest at that price.

That reality now appears to be pushing the Spanish giants toward considering a loan with an obligation to buy.

On paper, that seems manageable. In reality, it is a delayed big-money deal that could backfire for the buying club.

Splitting his wages for a year and backloading the fee may offer short-term relief, but it still amounts to taking on a player Madrid are actively looking to offload — on Madrid’s terms.

If Arsenal commit now, they risk being tied into a €70 million-plus obligation with little room for course correction if things go sideways.

It is easy to see what Madrid are trying to do. They want to reduce their wage bill now while creating space for Kylian Mbappe and the rest of their new-look attack to gel — without having to hand Rodrygo minutes that no longer fit into the plan — and still cash in at a favourable rate down the line.

The question is: should Arsenal be the ones to help them do it?

There is no guarantee Rodrygo will adapt quickly to English football, nor that he would justify a fee of that magnitude down the line.

Arsenal would be assuming all the risk, while Madrid walk away with financial flexibility and a future windfall.

Meanwhile, better value exists elsewhere. Ademola Lookman recorded 27 goal contributions last season, slightly surpassing Rodrygo’s 25, while playing a key role for Atalanta.

Even if Atalanta drive a hard bargain, he would still come in at a significantly lower total cost than the Madrid man.

Eberechi Eze is another Premier League-proven option who brings creativity, press resistance and the kind of technical security Arteta values.

If Arsenal are to spend heavily, it should be on a player fully adjusted to the league and the pace of its demands — not someone who still represents a gamble at £70 million or more.

Arsenal should walk away from this one. Madrid’s revised proposal is not a concession — it is a workaround. And it is not one the Gunners need to accept.