Arsenal could secure a “superstar signing” like Real Madrid’s Rodrygo before the transfer deadline on September 1st, but there are big obstacles in the way of it happening, according to BBC reporter Sami Mokbel.

The journalist broke the news back in January that the Gunners would be buying Martin Zubimendi this summer, but speaking to the Latte Firm YouTube channel, Mokbel said a move for Rodrygo is difficult due to the finances involved:

“In terms of Rodrygo, the interest is absolutely genuine. I know you signed Gyokeres, but he would be the superstar signing. He would be the cherry on the cake.”

“The interest is absolutely there and is authentic, but the sort of stumbling blocks towards that are – it will be the cost again. It will be the sort of wages which I think would be, from what I understand, you’re looking upwards of £250k a week, if not more, so it’s big money.”

“I think that the powers that be at Arsenal have crunched those numbers and probably rightly been a bit more hesitant towards going hell for leather for him, but that’s not to say that they’re not interested because they are, they do like him as a player and they have explored the conditions of that deal. ”

“I just think it may be a bit cash-rich when you factor in the wages, and if it is a permanent transfer. Now, if it is a loan, it would have to be a loan with some sort of obligation [to buy]… Is Rodrygo going to want to leave Real Madrid on a [dry] loan? I’m not sure if he will, but it’s definitely not a no. I do think there are some big obstacles to overcome, certainly financially, to get that deal over the line.”

Arsenal may have to wait until Real start their season

At the moment, it is believed that Rodrygo is trying to win his place back in the starting lineup. He is focused on convincing new head coach Xabi Alonso that he is worthy of being selected in his first eleven.

Real have three La Liga fixtures against Osasuna, Oviedo and Mallorca before the window shuts. If the Brazilian is twiddling his thumbs on the bench for those matches, he may decide it is time to leave the Bernabeu.

A loan could potentially be on the cards in that scenario, although it is debatable whether the Gunners would be open to such a move without the prospect of signing him on a permanent basis at the end of it.

Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here