Arsenal target Rodrygo fires emotional transfer message as Real Madrid exit confirmed

Arsenal have a big summer ahead of Mikel Arteta is going to assemble a squad capable of improving in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Domestically, the Gunners got all they could have wished for before the season began with rivals Manchester City falling from grace, but instead of capitalising they too stuttered and allowed Liverpool to collect the prize.

In Europe, fortunes were better than ever since Arsenal’s return to the Champions League, reaching the last-four, but it is still not the silverware Arteta and Co. desired.

So reinforcements are likely needed over the coming months, particularly in attack. To that end the club have found themselves most recently linked with Real Madrid ace Rodrygo.

With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal transfer rumours.

Rodrygo message

Rodrygo is one of many Real stars who have penned their own, individual messages to teammate Luka Modric after the 39-year-old announced his 13-year stay at the club is to come to an end after the FIFA Club World Cup.

“Dad [crying emoji] Today is a very sad day for me and all Real Madrid fans, knowing that soon we will no longer have you on the pitch, wearing the number 10,” the Brazilian began.

“It’s hard to put into words everything you mean to me since I arrived at this club. I learned with you on and off the pitch. Your class, leadership, and determination have left their mark on me forever.

“Thank you for every pass, advice, and help. It was a dream to share all these years by your side!

“Enjoy this new stage, LEGEND! I love you.”

football.london says: This announcement truly marks the changing of the guard at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the previous band of Galacticos having now all moved on. It is going to be a pivotal time as they plan for the future, particularly in the case of players like Rodrygo. He has been cast aside this term and will not wish to simply sit around whilst others arrive and take starting spots in the team, presumably coached by Xabi Alonso. Arsenal need to be on hand to capitalise if at any point the Brazilian expresses discontent.

Transfer latest

Rodrygo’s contract in Spain runs out in 2028, so Real are under no pressure to sell from their side of the table.

What could change things is if a club were to put money on the table and their player agitate to leave after seven years with the club.

And the sum that Spanish media have speculated will tempt Real chiefs is €80m (£67.5m).

Arsenal have been given a real boost as football.london understand Chelsea have distanced themselves from the race. The Blues have doubts over his wages.

Asked about Rodrygo, Arteta has now said: “I wouldn’t like to name a player, but the biggest thing is that, and using the word pride, we have brought the club into a position, into a place that next season you have to win a major trophy.

“That means that everybody believes that we have the level, that we have shown the consistency and we are an elite team in this country and in Europe and if you don’t do that, then what is going to happen?

“For me that is the biggest statement, that Arsenal is there. If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market.

“The teams that win have the best players, always, at this level…”

football.london says: Arsenal really ought to be signing a No.9 before anything else – that is their main problem to commit funds towards. But, Arteta is correct, the problems in attack extend to other areas too and Rodrygo is one of the best in Europe, so would be an incredible addition to a squad competing at the very top.