Arsenal 'target' Rodrygo makes three-word claim amid unexpected £17m Real Madrid twist

Rodrygo still looks set to depart Real Madrid in the summer transfer window with interest from Arsenal remaining despite the signing of Noni Madueke. As football.london reported back in May, signing a wide forward was one of many priorities for Mikel Arteta with that objective now fulfilled.

Prior to the Madueke deal with Chelsea being agreed, Rodrygo was a firm target for Mikel Arteta and Co. as Xabi Alonso showed during the Club World Cup that he preferred other attackers. Across six games at the tournament in the United States, he played just 92 minutes.

Though likely expensive, the Brazil international joining Arsenal appeared to make sense given his preference to play on the left and Bukayo Saka's dominance on the opposite flank. Rodrygo can play on the right however and has done so for a number of seasons because of Vinicius Jr.

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The 25-year-old is currently in contract talks with Real and his latest demands have seen a big decision made that could impact Rodrygo's future in the Spanish capital.

According to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Los Blancos are prepared to sell Vinicius if he does not reduce his salary demands. It has been claimed that he wants 'Kylian Mbappe' money which would see him earn £17.4million (€20m) after tax per-season.

In the meantime, a decision on Rodrygo will likely be needed within the next week as Real return for a mini pre-season next month ahead of the 2025/26 La Liga season commencing on Sunday, August 18.

While many other players are spending their time off away on holiday, Rodrygo looks to have continued playing football with his latest Instagram stories suggesting he was part of a team that won a tournament.

In one of the posts, he and several others are captured celebrating with that clip captioned, "Mais um ano [purple heart and football emoji]" with the first part of that message translating to "one more year", in English.

He has uploaded pictures with two teammates and one of himself celebrating with his arms lofted high in the air wearing the No.10 shirt. With Viktor Gyokeres taking the iconic 14, the jersey Rodrygo was captured wearing is available at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal signing Rodrygo over Crystal Palace star Eberechi Ezelooks rather unlikely with Alonso's side still demanding £78million (€90m) and the Gunners not really in a position to spend that amount unless one marquee sale is sanctioned.