The 24-year-old has found himself increasingly marginalised at the Bernabéu, starting just once in Madrid’s last 13 matches.
His omission from the opening La Liga fixture against Osasuna was the latest sign that Xabi Alonso’s plans do not revolve around him. Although Alonso has insisted “nothing is going on” and that Rodrygo remains part of his squad, the evidence points in another direction.
Rodrygo has slipped behind Franco Mastantuono, Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz in the pecking order, leaving his camp to test the Premier League market.
Zahavi, who has been working with the forward this summer alongside Rodrygo’s father Eric Goes, was in London midweek and attended Liverpool’s win over Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday.
His aim is clear: secure interest from England’s elite.
For Arsenal, the situation is complicated by squad balance and finances. Previous briefings suggested a move for Rodrygo would only be considered if sales were made, but Kai Havertz’s knee injury has forced a rethink in attack.
The Athletic have already suggested plans may now be adjusted, with Rodrygo one of the names under consideration.
Liverpool, meanwhile, apparently see him as an alternative should their pursuit of Alexander Isak fail.
One destination appears to have closed. Manchester City, who tracked Rodrygo as cover if Savinho left for Tottenham, are no longer in the frame after his decision to stay at the Etihad.
For Arsenal, the question is whether this is the moment to strike. An unsettled 24-year-old with Champions League pedigree is available, his agent is at the door, and the squad has just lost one of its key attacking options to injury.
The interest seems real, but the decision will be whether to commit to the financial scale of the move or look elsewhere.
The Gunners are also being linked with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
