Spanish press reports indicated that Real Madrid wanted to complete a swap deal with Arsenal during the current summer transfer window, but the Gunners rejected the idea in both form and substance.
Rodrygo Goes had been on Arsenal’s radar since the beginning of the summer, but Real Madrid’s desire to sell him for €100 million, coupled with the Brazilian’s high salary, reduced the London club’s interest in completing the deal.
However, according to reports, negotiations took place between Arsenal and Real Madrid officials last week, in which the club’s officials attempted to exploit the Gunners’ desire to sign Rodrygo through a swap deal.
The idea Real Madrid officials wanted was for Rodrygo to be sold to Arsenal, with central defender William Saliba included as part of the deal, and for him to move to the Santiago Bernabéu, with negotiations over whether or not to add a fee.
Arsenal’s management immediately rejected the idea completely, assuring Real Madrid that Saliba was not for sale or even up for discussion, as part of the club’s efforts to renew his contract, which expires in the summer of 2027.
Real Madrid is looking to sign a new center-back either this summer or next, and Saliba is a prime target, as is Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
