The North London rivalry could be reignited by a shared pursuit, not on the pitch, but in the transfer market. Both Arsenal and Tottenham harbored ambitions of landing a dynamic attacker last summer, a quest that ultimately fell short, but the opportunity may resurface with compelling force.
Rodrygo Goes, the Brazilian winger at Real Madrid, was the target. Expectations swirled that he’d be available, having found himself increasingly marginalized within the star-studded lineup at the Santiago Bernabéu. Arsenal and Tottenham weren’t alone in their interest; Manchester City and Liverpool also registered their intent, but Real Madrid held firm.
This season, however, the landscape is shifting. Rodrygo’s struggle for consistent playing time hasn’t abated, and whispers are growing louder about his potential departure. The emergence of young talents within Real Madrid’s squad is directly impacting his opportunities.
Xabi Alonso’s faith in Arda Guler has been fully realized, quickly establishing the young player as a key figure. Simultaneously, Franco Mastantuono is receiving regular minutes, further solidifying the competition for places. A clear pathway back into the starting eleven for Rodrygo remains elusive.
Sources indicate Rodrygo is now actively reassessing his future, with a move to the Premier League gaining traction as a genuine possibility. The January transfer window looms as a critical juncture, a potential opening for Arsenal and Tottenham to renew their efforts.
The stakes are particularly high for Rodrygo as he looks towards the 2026 World Cup. Securing a starting role for Brazil demands consistent, high-level football – something he’s unlikely to achieve while playing a supporting role behind Vinicius Junior and Mastantuono.
His ambition to represent his nation on the world stage could be the catalyst for a dramatic move, potentially igniting a fierce bidding war between two of London’s biggest clubs. The situation bears close watching as the New Year approaches.
