Arsenal’s interest in Real Madrid star Rodrygo Goes is not a secret to anyone.
The Gunners are in the market for a new wide player this summer, and they have been linked with several names over the last few months.
TBR Football confirmed that Arsenal target Nico Williams wants to join Barcelona, which means that Mikel Arteta will have to look elsewhere to strengthen his wide areas.
Rodrygo would be a dream signing for many Arsenal fans, but as things stand, the Brazilian has just one thought in his mind.
Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal target Rodrygo is ‘fully focused’ on Real Madrid
Rodrygo Goes’ future at Real Madrid has been uncertain for a few weeks now.
The Brazilian played no part in Los Blancos’ last five La Liga games last season, and his displeasure at playing on the right wing has been widely known as well.
That is when reports emerged that Arsenal are interested in signing Rodrygo, and Romano has now claimed that the Gunners’ wish to sign the attacker is ‘absolutely confirmed’.
However, at the moment, the journalist has claimed that Rodrygo is only focused on Real Madrid and hasn’t informed the club that he wishes to leave.
Romano said in a video on his YouTube channel: “Rodrygo, what I’m hearing, is that the appreciation from Arsenal is absolutely confirmed, but it’s not something new. We know since a long time how Arsenal like and appreciate Rodrygo, how Arsenal will add not just an important striker but also an important winger in this summer transfer window.
“But, on Rodrygo, what I can tell you is yes, they like the player, yes they are informed on the player, but at the moment, they are not negotiating with Real Madrid. They have not approached Real Madrid. They are not negotiating with Rodrygo. So, we are not even at the early stages of this story.
“And remember one thing, the only way to sign Rodrygo is for Rodrygo to go and tell Real Madrid ‘I want to leave the club’. And so far, as far as I’m aware, Rodrygo didn’t tell anything to Real Madrid.
“Rodrygo is working under Xabi Alonso, Rodrygo wants to play at his best level. This World Cup will be important for Rodrygo also to create a new connection, a new feeling with the new coach, Xabi Alonso. So, Rodrygo is fully focused on Real Madrid.
“Then, if later in the window, Rodrygo decides to leave, in that case, Real Madrid will consider the proposals. But, at the moment, we are not at that stage. There are no conversations, no negotiations. Rodrygo is fully focused on Real Madrid.”
What Xabi Alonso said about Rodrygo after working with him
Rodrygo’s issues in the final weeks of last season came under Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian has since left Real Madrid and has been replaced by Alonso, who will now decide what happens with all the players at the club.
The Spaniard has been working with everyone, including Rodrygo, over the last few weeks in preparation for the Club World Cup, and it looks like Alonso is happy with what he is seeing.
The Real Madrid boss has confirmed that Rodrygo is ready to contribute.
He said, as per the Metro: “I know what had happened in the final stretch, it was not easy for him. He took some time to reset his head, and I see him wanting to enjoy and contribute.”
If Rodrygo refuses to leave Real Madrid, Arsenal will have to look elsewhere.