Real Madrid star Rodrygo has already told Mikel Arteta where he would expect to play if he were to join Arsenal. The 24-year-old forward faces an uncertain future in the Spanish capital after falling out of favour with Carlo Ancelotti.
Rodrygo first showed signs of discomfort at the Santiago Bernabeu back in November 2023 when he was predominantly utilised as either a striker or a right winger. In an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, the Brazil international discussed his struggles in Madrid and why he prefers to play on the wing.
"My favourite position is as an attacking midfielder and then through the wings," said Rodrygo in March 2023, as quoted by Managing Madrid. "I just don’t like playing as a nine, but I’m getting better.
"It’s a good opportunity and a privilege, but my skill set doesn’t suit that position all that well. I like to play with the ball more, but Vinicius and myself are getting used to it and things are improving."
Rodrygo added: "Yes, I was nervous because things weren’t working out for me, but now I’m back. I can’t blame anybody but myself; it was my fault. It was a new position and I was getting used to it.
Rodrygo Silva de Goes of Real Madrid seen during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
Rodrygo during Real Madrid clash against AC Milan (Image: Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
"Now, Ancelotti is giving me more freedom, and I can play on the wings a bit more. It’s hard playing as a nine there, but if the coach thinks I can do it, I’m happy."
While Rodrygo enjoyed great success leading the frontline at Real Madrid in 2023/24, cracks started to show towards the end of the campaign. Speaking to reporters following a clash against Celta Vigo in March 2024, Ancelotti issued a brutally honest assessment of the Brazilian.
"He lacks a bit of finishing ability," said the Italian. "He was very important in the first half. He only lacked the goal in this game, but for the rest… (his) work, (his) pressing, he has done well."
Rodrygo Goes, Endrick Felipe and Vinicius Junior players of Real Madrid pose for a photo with the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup trophy as they celebrate victory at the end of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final between Real Madrid and CF Pachuca at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2024
Rodrygo, Endrick Felipe and Vinicius Junior for Real Madrid (Image: Photo by Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
The Athletic later reported that Rodrygo's representatives noted that he wasn't playing in his natural position on the left wing. The report added that the Brazilian's entourage believed this was detrimental to his goal-scoring.
Despite having voiced concerns about his position in Ancelotti's side on a few occasions, Rodrygo's requests have fallen on deaf ears. This season, he's played 50 times across all competitions, with the majority of appearances coming on either the right wing or striker, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists.
Rodrygo was once a key player for Los Blancos, but he's recently struggled to force himself into the limelight. On Sunday afternoon, he was an unused substitute, watching from the sidelines as Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 4-3 at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.
Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid warm up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on February 19, 2025
Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe for Real Madrid (Image: Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The Catalan giants, who have a game in hand, are four points clear of their rivals at the top of La Liga with three games to go. According to Spanish outlet Marca, Rodrygo doesn't want to play for the club again.
The report claims that the Brazilian feels 'displaced' after the 'media explosion' surrounding Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, which created a rift with Vinicius Junior. It's said that Rodrygo is angry at having lost the starring role he hoped to share with his fellow countryman.
Marca add that the forward's relationship with his teammates has 'deteriorated significantly,' as a result. While Rodrygo has made it clear that he wants to leave and Real are not ruling out his departure, his future will depend on Xabi Alonso, who is set to replace Ancelotti at the end of the season.
The Daily Mail have reported that the forward, who sees his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expire in June 2028, has attracted interest from Arsenal, but the Gunners face tough competition from Liverpool and Manchester City for Rodrygo's signature.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.