Rodrygo explains truth behind Arsenal summer transfer rumours - 'I'm used to it'

Arsenal transfer target Rodrygo has suggested that he was never interested in leaving Real Madrid during the recent summer transfer window.

Uncertainty over the winger's future in Spain had sprouted when his role had diminished under previous manager Carlo Ancelotti. It was then exacerbated when his successor, Xabi Alonso, proceeded to bench the Brazilian in all but one of Real 's six FIFA Club World Cup matches over the summer.

Arsenal were in the process of a major attacking overhaul in the market at that point in time. football.london understood Emirates Stadium chiefs did hold an interest in Rodrygo, though believed any move made would have been complicated.

• Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta left in no doubt about £13m man but told star 'will be devastated'
• Mikel Arteta has eyes on £32.5million target as Arsenal receive £1.8m Champions League bonus

Instead, Mikel Arteta added new striker Viktor Gyokeres, winger Noni Madueke, and the creative-minded Eberechi Eze to his squad as three of eight major signings worth around £250m.

Besides, Rodrygo himself has now implied in conversation with TNT Sports Brazil, via Mundo Deportivo, that he was never rushing to find his next club.

"I’m used to it; every year they say I’m leaving. During the transfer window, every week I was on a different team," the 24-year-old explained after Real's Champions League clash with Marseille this week.

"I even joked with my parents and friends: 'Look, today I’m on this one, tomorrow I’m on that one.' Every week I was on a different team, but, as I said, I was very calm mentally and it didn’t affect me at all.

"I continued enjoying my vacation, training because I knew this was where I would continue. Well, in the end, I’m still at home, in the place I always dreamed of being. I’ll continue giving my all every day I wear this shirt."

Rodrygo has begun the 2025/26 campaign with three appearances out of a possible five for Los Blancos, being named in the starting line-up twice.

"I train and dedicate myself every day, waiting for opportunities," the player added. "He's (Alonso) been changing a lot, he’s been playing differently in every game. He started the season by putting me more on the left, but everyone knows I can play inside and on the right, as I always have.

"I'm slowly getting back into my form, after everything I've been through. I went through a very difficult time at the end of last season.

"I want to thank my family for being there for me during this time. I want to thank Mr. Ancelotti, because he knows better than anyone what I've been through and he's helped me a lot."

Rodrygo moved to Spain from boyhood club Santos at the age of 18. He has gone on to make 273 appearances for Real, scoring 68 and providing 52 assists, whilst winning three La Liga titles and the Champions League twice.