Rodrygo Stays at Real Madrid Beyond January Window
Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid for Arsenal in the January transfer window, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed. The Brazilian winger remains focused on recovering from the ACL injury he suffered against Getafe in March 2026. The club have no intention of sanctioning a move while he works his way back to fitness.
Romano’s update was shared on his YouTube channel and detailed in Fabrizio Romano’s transfer report. It draws a clear line under weeks of speculation linking the 25-year-old with a switch to the Emirates Stadium. For now, Rodrygo’s only priority is getting back on the pitch for Jose Mourinho.
It follows a similar pattern to Fabrizio Romano’s previous transfer update on Vinicius Junior. The Italian journalist again stressed that Real Madrid were not entertaining offers for a key attacking player mid-season.
Fabrizio Romano Clarifies Arsenal Transfer Rumours
Romano was unambiguous about where things stand. Asked about Rodrygo’s situation, he said:
“Now, what I can say is that for sure, the mission for Rodrygo is to return to the pitch.
“Rodrygo wants to get back on the pitch, get in the best conditions possible.”
Turning specifically to Arsenal, Romano went further, ruling out any January business entirely:
“On Arsenal, for sure, he’s a player they wanted in summer 2025, but was not possible.
“In summer 2025, the real possibility for Rodrygo Goes was Manchester City.
“Manchester City at that point were considering Rodrygo if Savinho left the club, but Savinho ended up staying and then he joined Tottenham this summer.
“So, at the moment about Arsenal, I cannot say anything else there is not appreciation.
“Obviously, they like the player, but now is not time for movements because in January nothing will happen.
“Rodrygo will stay.”
Separately, TEAMtalk’s exclusive transfer report claims Arsenal have maintained contact with Rodrygo’s representatives. That detail, attributed to TEAMtalk reporter Graeme Bailey, has not been confirmed by Real Madrid, Arsenal or anyone in Rodrygo’s camp. Even TEAMtalk’s own reporting agrees no transfer will happen this January. Supporters should treat it as unverified media interest rather than an active negotiation.
Tactical Role in Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid Squad
Rodrygo’s absence is a genuine loss for Mourinho. The winger has won La Liga three times and the Champions League twice since establishing himself at the Bernabeu. His direct running from the right has been a consistent outlet in Real Madrid’s biggest matches.
With Rodrygo sidelined, others have had to fill the gap in the final third. Arda Guler has taken on a bigger creative role in recent months. That development sits alongside Arda Guler’s long-term contract renewal as evidence of Mourinho’s growing trust in the club’s younger attacking talent.
Mourinho has had to manage his forward line carefully as a result. That challenge dates back to Jose Mourinho’s pre-season preparations, when the head coach first began testing different combinations without Rodrygo available. Once fit, the Brazilian is expected to slot straight back into that attacking picture.
Recovery Schedule and December Return Target
Rodrygo has been out since tearing his ACL against Getafe in March 2026, a serious injury that ruled him out for the rest of last season. Real Madrid’s medical staff originally pencilled in February as a realistic month for his return.
According to Romano, that timeline has now moved forward. He explained:
“There is a feeling he can be ahead of time in terms of schedule to be back as soon as possible.
“There was an original indication of February as the right month to see Rodrygo back on the pitch.
“Now the feeling at Real Madrid is that by the end of 2026, let’s say December, maybe January, he could be already available for Jose Mourinho.
“Obviously, they will not force anything because they want Rodrygo to be 100% fit after the serious injury he suffered.”
Romano also stressed there is no rush from the club or the player to hit an artificial deadline. He added:
“What I can guarantee is that Rodrygo is really grateful with Real Madrid for how they are helping him and trusting him and believing in him, despite a difficult moment in terms of injury.
“And so, at the moment, the situation remains under control.”
Real Madrid will continue to assess Rodrygo’s progress week by week, with December 2026 or January 2027 the working target for his return to Mourinho’s squad. Until then, any talk of a move to Arsenal remains firmly off the table.
