Arbeloa insists Rodrygo is central to Real Madrid plans despite exit talk

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has issued a defiant stance regarding the future of Rodrygo, insisting the Brazilian forward remains a fundamental part of his plans despite swirling transfer rumours. With Kylian Mbappe currently sidelined through injury, the spotlight has turned back to the 25-year-old winger, who is returning to the fold for the upcoming La Liga clash against Getafe.

Arbeloa was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the former Santos starlet is surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu, especially with several Premier League giants reportedly circling for his signature ahead of the summer window. Rodrygo says he remains unfazed by the constant noise: "I’m used to it; every year they say I’m leaving.

During the transfer window, every week I was on a different team. 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.

Spain, Madrid

rodrygo, real madrid, alvaro arbeloa, kylian mbappe, getafe, la liga, transfer rumours, premier league, bernabeu, santos