Gabriel makes telling Rodrygo to Arsenal transfer statement amid Real Madrid decision

Arsenal defender Gabriel admits he would like Real Madrid star Rodrygo to join the Gunners this summer.

The 24-year-old forward was heavily linked with a transfer to the Emirates Stadium earlier this summer, with Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen his attacking options. Rodrygo, whose contract at the Santiago Bernabeu runs until June 2028, made 30 appearances in La Liga last season – netting six goals and providing six assists.

The Brazilian international was once a pivotal player for Los Blancos but, towards the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s reign, he found himself playing second fiddle to Vinicius Jnr and Kylian Mbappe.

Rodrygo’s future in Madrid seemed uncertain until Xabi Alonso took over as head coach. Upon his introduction as Real Madrid’s new manager, he dismissed any speculation about the Arsenal target leaving. Nevertheless, Rodrygo continues to be linked with a move to north London.

The Athletic have previously reported that Arsenal are particularly interested in signing the Brazil player, who has admirers among Arteta’s coaching staff. The Gunners are said to be keeping tabs on him.

And current Arsenal defender and Brazil teammate, Gabriel, has praised the Real forward’s level when asked if the attacker would be joining him in Arteta’s squad next season.

“I don’t know,” he said via Sports Mole. “I would like it, but who knows?

“Rodrygo for me is a phenomenon. People are mentioning his name a lot.

“If it depended on me, of course. As I said, he’s a phenomenon.”

Arteta has already been handed a boost this summer with Gabriel putting pen to paper on a new contract at the club. Gabriel missed the final weeks of last season with a hamstring injury, but he has now committed his future at the Emirates Stadium until 2029 – and will be busy looking ahead to making his return for the start of the new term.