Arsenal have rekindled their interest in Real Madrid star Rodrygo after Kai Havertz picked up an injury.
The Gunners have long been linked with the Brazilian, but had stepped off the gas in the last couple of weeks.
Havertz’s knee injury has forced the Gunners to reconsider their plans.
Kai Havertz Suffers Knee Injury
Renowned journalist David Ornstein broke the news of Kai Havertz’s injury on Wednesday. The Athletic reporter said that on the back of Havertz’s injury, Arsenal had re-entered the market for a replacement.
Ornstein wrote (via The Athletic):
“Arsenal forward Kai Havertz set for spell out with knee injury. Assessments on 26yo Germany int’l at early stage so prognosis + duration unclear but AFC actively exploring transfer market for signing to strengthen attack & provide cover.”
🚨⚠️ Kai Havertz has suffered knee injury and it will be assessed by Arsenal staff in the next hours.
Arsenal consider new signing following Havertz’s new injury, as @David_Ornstein reports. pic.twitter.com/KrxHcGiJgH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2025
The former Chelsea man, who has often assumed the role of a centre-forward, made his Premier League season debut in a 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday. He came on for summer signing Viktor Gyokeres in the 60th minute.
With Havertz injured, Gyokeres, who 10/1 with football betting sites to win the Golden Boot, is the only fit centre-forward left at Mikel Arteta’s disposal.
Arsenal Rekindle Interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo
Following Kai Havertz’s injury, Arsenal have turned their attention to Real Madrid forward Rodrygo. Although Rodrygo prefers to play on the left, he has experience operating down the middle.
Earlier this week, Spanish outlet MARCA claimed Rodrygo was frustrated with his role under Carlo Ancelotti last season. Things have only deteriorated since, with Xabi Alonso preferring other options over him.
I said it before and I will say it again
Rodrygo, make the right decision.. https://t.co/QXGk730tiV pic.twitter.com/YewrFn9maE
— ⚡️ (@seanafc_) August 19, 2025
On Tuesday, Real Madrid kicked off their LaLiga campaign with a clash against CA Osasuna at home. Rodrygo neither made the starting XI nor came off the bench. Alonso called Brahim Diaz and Franco Mastantuono off the bench, suggesting they were higher on the pecking order than Rodrygo.
Real Madrid Ready to Sell Rodrygo for €100 Million
Real Madrid remain open to selling Rodrygo, but they will only accept a fee in the region of €100 million (£86 million). So far, there have not been any formal offers for the 24-year-old forward.
With Kai Havertz potentially looking at a stretch on the sidelines, Arsenal are ready to test Real Madrid’s resolve with a good offer. As Rodrygo is eager to secure regular playing time, the Gunners can hope to get a positive response.
Rodrygo. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/o0LtJPXg7R
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) August 20, 2025
Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, sent a clear message to Rodrygo and his teammates ahead of the season opener. The coach said he was counting on everyone and wanted 100% commitment from them.
The next couple of weeks are set to be crucial for Rodrygo’s career.
