The 23-year-old Brazilian has been a key role for Los Blancos in the 2023-24 season, appearing in 41 matches across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and assisting eight times.

Despite Rodrygo signing a contract extension with Real Madrid last November, tying him to the club until June 2028, Arsenal and Manchester United are keeping a careful eye on his status in the Spanish capital, anticipating a future opportunity to recruit him.

Rodrygo is reportedly valued at €120 million (£102.8 million) by Real Madrid, a price tag that could make it difficult for English clubs to recruit the versatile forward.

Rodrygo, who can play in a variety of attacking positions, has primarily played as a striker with Vinicius Junior this season, with Jude Bellingham in the number 10 position.

However, the Brazilian has shown his desire for broader perspectives, saying,

“I’ve always stated that I can play on the wings; I just don’t enjoy playing as a nine, even if my club requires it. With Brazil, I have greater flexibility to travel.”

Rodrygo will be replaced by Kylian Mbappe next season.

Real Madrid’s tactical changes under head coach Carlo Ancelotti, particularly a switch to a 4-3-1-2 configuration following Karim Benzema’s exit last summer and Bellingham’s arrival, have had a further impact on Rodrygo’s place in the club.

With talk swirling around Kylian Mbappe’s probable move to the Bernabeu at the end of the season, the dynamics of Real Madrid’s attacking setup for the upcoming 2024-25 season remain unknown.Arsenal and Manchester United are both actively looking for forward reinforcements, with Arsenal looking to improve Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, while Manchester United looking to give backup for Rasmus Hojlund, their only recognized senior striker.

While Rodrygo is now with the Brazil national team for friendlies against England and Spain, his future remains a source of heated speculation, with Arsenal and Manchester United keeping a close eye on developments as they plan their summer transfer strategies.