Arsenal transfer target Rodrygo sends three-word Real Madrid message as feelings made clear

Rodrygo appears to have hinted at where his heart lies amid ongoing links with a move to Arsenal this summer.

The Brazilian winger was once again left on the bench for Real Madrid’s 3-0 Club World Cup win over Salzburg, coming on with just 23 minutes left to play.

It was an improvement on Real's previous fixture, in which the 24-year-old failed to get off the bench altogether.

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With Kylian Mbappé's exit opening the door for more attacking opportunities, many expected Rodrygo to step up. But it’s 20-year-old Gonzalo Garcia who has taken the spotlight, piling more pressure on Rodrygo’s place in Xabi Alonso’s squad.

Still, the former Santos star continues to show loyalty. After the match, he shared a photo of himself in action on Instagram, captioning it: “To the eighth,” alongside a white heart emoji – a nod to Madrid’s iconic colours.

That subtle choice of emoji may suggest Rodrygo remains committed to Madrid despite the uncertainty over his role. It also comes amid growing speculation that a move to Arsenal is on the table.

Earlier this week, Cadena SER claimed there was a “real possibility” that Rodrygo could join Mikel Arteta’s side. Madrid have reportedly placed a £77m price tag on the forward – a fee Arsenal are understood to be willing to pay.

Rodrygo’s arrival would certainly be welcomed at the Emirates, with Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhees already backing the move.

Speaking on Brazilian podcast PodPah, Gabriel said: "I’d like it obviously. He’s a phenomenon. I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon. If it was up to me, of course [I want him at Arsenal]!"

With the decision now resting on Rodrygo, the 24-year-old faces a pivotal summer. Stay and fight for minutes in a Madrid squad stacked with young talent – or accept Arsenal’s offer for a more prominent role in a team built to challenge.

Alonso, meanwhile, has made his feelings clear on Rodrygo. He said in a press conference recently: "He looks good to me, enthusiastic. "The other day was a technical decision.

"He remains important and we will need him in the Club World Cup. He is a special player and he will have a significant role."

He added: "I'm very happy with everyone, and I'm counting on everyone. "It's a very demanding season; we'll have 50 or 60 games. We need a squad with healthy competition.

"I'm happy."