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Rodrygo delivers clear Real Madrid message amid Arsenal transfer links and Xabi Alonso admission

Real Madrid star Rodrygo has issued a message amid continued links of a potential transfer to Arsenal.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with signing the Brazilian this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to bring reinforcements to the forward line.

While a new striker has been mentioned as a priority target for some time, Arsenal could also be in the market for a new wide forward following the end of Raheem Sterling's loan spell from Chelsea.

Rodrygo is rumoured to be a target for Arsenal this summer as he continues to face an uncertain future at Madrid.

On Wednesday, Rodrygo was named in the Madrid starting line-up by new manager Xabi Alonso for their FIFA Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal.

Real were held to a 1-1 draw with a Ruben Neves penalty cancelling out an opening strike from Gonzalo Garcia for the La Liga outfit.

Rodrygo provided the assist for Garcia as he went on to play 65 minutes of the contest before being substituted and replaced by Brahim Diaz.

Hours later, Rodrygo took to social media to issue a message to his 22 million followers on Instagram.

The post from the Real star read: "Tough debut, so happy to be back... let’s go!" Rodrygo's post received more than 500,000 likes, including from Madrid teammates Endrick and Arda Guler.

Speculation around Rodrygo's future began after the forward was reported to have become frustrated during the final months of last season.

Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti as Real manager earlier this summer, recently provided an update on Rodrygo's future where he hinted that he does not expect the £84m-rated star to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.

"I know what had happened," Alonso told reporters earlier this week. "The end of the season wasn't easy for him [Rodrygo].

"He took some time to reset. We've talked since day one, and I see him eager to contribute on the field and enjoy himself."

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