Rodrygo to Arsenal transfer latest as new Real Madrid hint dropped amid Saudi Arabia bombshell

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has provided another huge hint that Rodrygois not part of his plans after the forward was left out of the starting XI to face Leganes in their opening pre-season fixture.

Los Blancos, who were granted an extended break due to the club's participation in the Club World Cup, were in action for the first time in 2025/26 as they entertained Leganes in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday.

Despite falling behind, Real Madrid ended up running out comfortable 4-1 winners according to Spanish news outlet AS. Alonso reportedly named a strong side, with Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe among the starters.

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However, there was one significant name that didn't start. Rodrygo, who has been at the centre of increased transfer speculation from Arsenal, was not named in Alonso's XI to face Leganes.

While it's understood that Rodrygo featured in the game, the fact he didn't start, alongside his lack of game time at the Club World Cup, has raised more alarm bells that his long-term future isn't at Real Madrid.

That is even despite Marca reporting that Real Madrid have turned down offers from Saudi Arabia from Rodrygo. It's claimed the Brazilian has been on the radar of the Saudi Pro League, but Los Blancos have maintained a firm stance that wearing the badge of the 15-time European champions is worth more than Saudi money.

It comes as Arsenal remain keen in signing Rodrygo, 24, this summer, according to The Times. Mikel Arteta's side have spent in excess of £190million on six players during the transfer window, but the Gunners are not expected to stop there with more set to follow through the Emirates Stadium doors.

Indeed, Arsenal are still interested in bringing Rodrygo to the club, but they will only make a move if he can be recruited on a loan deal. It remains to be seen if Real Madrid agree to that proposal.

After arriving in a £39.3million deal from Santos in June 2018, Rodrygo has spent the last seven years at Real Madrid, winning 13 major honours, including the Champions League twice and La Liga on three occasions. In that period, he has made 270 appearances, netting 68 goals and adding 51 assists.

However, Rodrygo was thought to be frustrated under former head coach Carlo Ancelotti because he wasn't playing in his preferred position, which is believed to be on the left-side of the attack. Mbappe's blockbuster move from Paris Saint-Germain and Vinicius Jr's presence impacted Rodrygo.

Although Ancelotti has since left the club and Alonso has arrived from Bayer Leverkusen, Rodrygo's situation hasn't altered much. In fact, he has dropped even further down the pecking order. Gonzalo Garcia has emerged as a more prominent figure in the XI, as has Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz.

Arsenal are said to be still in the market for a left-sided forward and Rodrygo would slot straight into that position, ahead of Gabriel Martinelli, who struggled for consistent form last season.