Rodrygo has expressed his contentment at Real Madrid, amid ongoing speculation connecting him to Arsenal.
The Brazilian international, set to star for Los Blancos at the Club World Cup in the US, features on the Gunners' wishlist as sporting director Andrea Berta aims to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad with a new winger.
Nevertheless, any potential transfer hinges on the 24-year-old making an active push for an exit and informing Real Madrid's new manager Xabi Alonso of his desire to depart. Arsenal, meanwhile, are focused on recruiting a fresh centre-forward, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko emerging as the prime target.
Initial discussions with the German side and Sesko's representatives have commenced, and there is set to be further developments in the coming weeks.
Yet, a move for Rodrygo will be much more difficult - with the winger appearing to have sent an unequivocal signal regarding his future through an Instagram post, captioned "Happy," complete with a smiley and a white love heart emoji. The photos showed him training with Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup.
Despite recent whispers about the forward's future, this message appears to clarify his stance to the fans of Real Madrid.
His participation in the Club World Cup was always set in stone and the likelihood of him leaving Real Madrid before the 2025-26 season kicks off now seems particularly remote.
Rodrygo is anticipated to discuss his preferred position with Alonso, expressing a desire to operate from the left-wing next campaign. However, this poses a tactical conundrum as Vinicius Jr has taken command of the left flank at Madrid since establishing himself in the first-team.
Nonetheless, Alonso is tactically flexible, and reports from Madrid indicate the new manager highly rates Rodrygo's qualities.
At his Real Madrid presentation, Alonso emphatically shared his stance over the forward, saying: "Rodrygo? He is a Real Madrid player. He is a spectacular player and we will need him."
Last term, the Brazilian star scored six goals and created five assists in 20 La Liga appearances, and the acquisition of Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono isn't seen as a threat to Rodrygo's standing with Los Blancos.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are scouting additional wingers such as Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams and Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon.