Rodrygo gives telling reaction when asked if he’s ‘joining Arsenal’

Tensions between Rodrygo and the club increased late last season, and although Xabi Alonso’s arrival initially smoothed things over, a transfer is now under serious consideration.

Real Madrid are open to offloading the 24-year-old, placing an €80 million (£67m) price tag on him; AS has reported that he’s now seen as more trouble than benefit.

Arsenal initiated contact with Rodrygo’s representatives back in May, with manager Mikel Arteta known to be a big fan.

Whether the Gunners will continue chasing the Brazilian remains uncertain, especially with Noni Madueke set to join from Chelsea in a £52 million deal.

Real Madrid’s Club World Cup run ended abruptly this week after a heavy 4–0 loss to PSG in New Jersey.

On Friday, a video posted by El Chiringuito showed Rodrygo enjoying a stroll through New York when a fan asked in English: “Are you going to Arsenal?”

Rodrygo didn’t respond, choosing instead to pose for a selfie with another fan.

The forward’s fate is expected to become clearer soon, though his consistent exclusion from the lineup during the U.S. tour has intensified transfer talk.

Alonso previously labeled Rodrygo’s omission as a “tactical decision,” repeating the same reasoning after the PSG defeat.

However, his comments only stoked rumors further, with Alonso stating he believed the team functioned better without Rodrygo’s involvement.

‘I didn’t play Rodrygo for a technical decision,’ Alonso said.

‘We thought we would be better off with other players. It’s not about his future’.