Real Madrid and Arsenal are set to do battle for 20-year-old La Liga star with a £17.5million release clause.
Elche’s Rodrigo Mendoza has emerged as one of La Liga’s breakout stars this season, and both Arsenal and Real Madrid are eyeing a move for the creative midfielder.
Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Set To Battle Real Madrid
Premier League leaders Arsenal and Spanish giants Real Madrid are both interested in securing the signature of highly-rated 20-year-old midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza.
Arsenal and Real Madrid are already battling in Europe’s top competition with the former listed as firm favourites in the latest Champions League winners betting odds, but they are now set to do battle for Mendoza’s signature.
Mendoza has emerged as a transfer interest of both Madrid and the Gunners, with both Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta admirers of Elche’s creative midfielder.
The Spain U21 international has made a solid impression in his maiden campaign in La Liga.
Mendoza has reportedly been on the radar of the Galacticos since last summer, with their interest strengthening further this season after the Elche midfielder impressed in the early stages of his first campaign in the Spanish top flight.
With a €20million (£17.5m) release clause, Mendoza is seen as a bargain for many of Europe’s top clubs, including Madrid and Arsenal.
Alonso is said to be pushing Madrid president Florentino Peres to sign the Spanish talent, but will now face stiff competition from the Gunners.
That’s according to Sam Dean of The Telegraph, who has reported that Mikel Arteta and co are monitoring Mendoza whilst weighing up a move for the youngster.
🚨 BREAKING
Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza and are considering a potential move for the 20-year-old. 🇪🇸✨
Pedri in recent interview described Mendoza as the player closest to his own playing style.
ℹ️ @SamJDean pic.twitter.com/VhBKqPe7av
— Arsenal Folio 📕 (@Arsenal_Folio) November 25, 2025
Elche’s Rodrigo Mendoza Of Interest To Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta With Manchester City Also Monitoring
Rodri Mendoza’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed so far this season. The 20-year-old starlet has played 10 times in all competitions for Elche, scoring two goals in all competitions.
With Mendoza’s release clause set at just £17.5m (€20m), the Spanish midfielder is seen as a bargain in today’s market and would be a future-proof signing for both Arsenal and Real Madrid.
As long-term admirers of Mendoza, the Bernabeu side currently lead the way in securing the signature of the Elche youngster. With Mendoza being Spanish and perhaps not wanting to move too far from home, they remain favourites to sign him.
That being said, Arsenal are set to win the Premier League title, which could attract Mendoza to England’s top flight instead.
🚨 JUST IN: Real Madrid are long-term admirers of Elche’s midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza (20).
Arsenal are also interested & there could be a possible battle for the player.
His release clause is €20M. @SamJDean pic.twitter.com/CjgmQN3MSF
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) November 25, 2025
The 20-year-old has been likened to Barcelona star Pedri by some, with a battle for his signature brewing between several European big hitters, not just the Gunners and Madrid.
Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Manchester City are said to be interested in the creative midfielder, with Italian giants Juventus also keeping a close eye on the Spaniard.
A January exit for Mendoza seems highly unlikely, but all these clubs will be keen to make a summer move for the highly-rated Elche star.
