Arsenal have kept communication channels open with the entourage of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, even as their pursuit of his teammate Vinicius Junior came to nothing this summer.

The Gunners had shown interest in Rodrygo before, but a serious injury forced those efforts onto the back burner. Now that the Brazil international is edging closer to a return to action, Arsenal appear to have maintained their contact with those in the player's inner circle, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

A different profile to Vinicius

TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal view Rodrygo as a potential alternative to Vinicius Junior on the left side of their attack. However, the 25-year-old is widely considered a different calibre of player to Vinicius — or indeed to other attacking targets Arsenal explored this summer, including Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola, and Julian Alvarez.

Rodrygo has delivered important contributions for Real Madrid on his best days and his quality is not in question. Yet the debate around whether he is the type of signing capable of taking Arsenal to a new level remains very much open.

Fitness concerns add further complication

Beyond the footballing question marks, there are genuine concerns about Rodrygo's physical condition following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Arsenal have already had to manage repeated injury absences within their own squad, and adding a player whose fitness remains uncertain could compound those problems.

The contrast with a hypothetical Vinicius Junior deal is stark. Signing Vinicius would have been a landmark statement of intent — the kind of move that shifts expectations at a club. Rodrygo, through no fault of his own, does not carry the same weight.

A question of strategy

With one of European football's most extensive scouting operations behind them, Arsenal have the resources to identify emerging talents from across the globe. Whether pursuing Rodrygo fits that long-term vision — rather than targeting either a confirmed superstar or a high-ceiling prospect — is a question the club's recruitment team will need to answer as the transfer window approaches.

For now, all eyes will be on how Rodrygo performs once he returns to full fitness and reclaims a regular place in Real Madrid's starting lineup.