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Rodrygo issues defiant two-word Real Madrid message after Arsenal transfer chase

Rodrygo has delivered a defiant two-word declaration and reaffirmed his loyalty to Real Madrid following months of transfer speculation.

Arsenal had been strongly linked with a move for the 24-year-old throughout the summer window, as the Gunners sought to bolster their attacking options.

However, despite his apparent lack of playing time at Los Blancos, he opted to stay in Madrid and battle for his position under Xabi Alonso, who was appointed as the club's new head coach in May.

Rodrygo made his first start of the campaign during Real's commanding 3-0 victory at Real Oviedo last weekend before entering as a substitute in the 2-1 triumph against Real Mallorca on Saturday.

Though he sits behind Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe in the hierarchy at Santiago Bernabeu, Rodrygo seems prepared to compete for a starting berth, with Real boasting fierce competition in their forward line.

Now, following the closure of the transfer window and confirmation that Rodrygo would stay at Real for at least the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign, he has sent a resolute message to the club's supporters.

In an Instagram post featuring a video showcasing his finest moments in a Real shirt, Rodrygo declared: "My home," accompanied with a white love heart emoji.

After joining Real Madrid in a £39.3million deal from Santos in June 2018, Rodrygo has spent the last seven years at the Bernabeu, clinching 13 major honours, including two Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns.

During his tenure, he has made 272 appearances, scoring 68 goals and providing 51 assists.

Arsenal had been scouting for a new left-sided forward and Rodrygo was believed to be on their radar, along with Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon and AC Milan's Rafael Leao.

However, the Gunners chose to sign Eberechi Eze, who can operate on the left or as a No. 10, in a £68m transfer from Crystal Palace.

The England international made his debut against Liverpool on Sunday, becoming the club's seventh acquisition of the summer transfer window.

Piero Hincapie became the eighth player to walk through the Emirates Stadium doors on deadline day, joining on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres were the earlier arrivals this summer.

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