Real Madrid Boss Alvaro Arbeloa Remains Defiant on Rodrygo Amid Transfer Rumours
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa stands firm on the future of Brazilian forward Rodrygo, emphasizing his integral role in the team despite ongoing transfer speculations. With the spotlight shifting to Rodrygo in the absence of Kylian Mbappe, Arbeloa dismisses any talks of his potential exit.

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. The passionate defense comes as Rodrygo continues to see his long-term future at Real Madrid called into question, with exit rumours predictably surfacing during every transfer period.However, the Brazilian attacker insists he remains entirely unfazed by the constant noise. "I’m used to it; every year they say I’m leaving," Rodrygo revealed when discussing the relentless speculation throughout 2025. "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. I’ll continue giving my all every day I wear this shirt."Arbeloa is delighted to have Rodrygo available again for Monday's showdown against Getafe. With star forward Kylian Mbappe currently unavailable, the Spanish tactician has backed the returning Brazilian to step up and be a game-changer, praising the immense versatility he brings to the final third. Addressing the media ahead of the clash, the boss stated: "Rodrygo must be very important. He was being so before the injury and he can be a fundamental, decisive player. He has been demonstrating his quality at Real Madrid for many years."On the right wing, left, up front... in the three attacking positions he can give us what he has, a lot of quality, vision of the game, arriving in the box. He is a very complete player, very difficult to defend," Arbeloa added. "He gives us many possibilities and I really wanted to have him back so that he adds minutes and gains importance in the team."The Blancos boss emphasised that his tactical setup is designed to accommodate the unique talents of his squad rather than forcing players into a rigid system, insisting that his decisions are always based on what the specific match requires and ensuring that there is a place for every high-calibre attacker in his rotation when they are fit and available.Arbeloa added: "The good thing will be that, with the different capacities and conditions that the players have, they give us different things. When you make changes you don't take someone off because they are doing it poorly, it's because you want other things. The return of Rodrygo is going to contribute many things in different positions and, in each one, he is different from what we have."He also took the opportunity to praise Vinicius Junior, though he refused to take credit for the winger's recent hot streak, stating: "I don't know if I have touched a key; the merit belongs to Vinicius, who is a fantastic footballer. My only merit is giving him a lot of confidence and affection."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe roadmap for the remainder of the campaign looks daunting, with a mouth-watering Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester City looming on the horizon. While supporters are already buzzing about the impending battle with Pep Guardiola’s men, Arbeloa remains fiercely focused on the immediate domestic hurdles, starting with La Liga matchups against Getafe and Celta Vigo. He said: "We know how tough our opponent is, with a coach who always gets the best out of his players. They're a very difficult opponent, capable of making for very tight matches and forcing you to play your own game. We have to be very focused. We're really looking forward to playing at home in front of our fans and getting the three points."
Rodrygo's Resilience Amid Transfer Speculations
Real Madrid's Rodrygo remains undeterred by recurring transfer rumors, expressing his calmness amidst the noise surrounding his future. The Brazilian forward jokes about the ever-changing reports and maintains his dedication to performing for the club.
Arbeloa's Confidence in Rodrygo's Return
Arbeloa praises Rodrygo's versatility and quality as he eagerly anticipates the forward's return to the squad for the upcoming clash against Getafe. The manager highlights Rodrygo's abilities across various attacking positions and emphasizes his importance to the team.
Tactical Adaptability and Squad Rotation
Arbeloa stresses the importance of accommodating the unique talents of his players within his tactical setup. He underlines the need to utilize the diverse skill sets available and assures that every high-caliber attacker has a place in his rotation based on match requirements.
Focus on Immediate Challenges
While anticipation builds for the Champions League tie against Manchester City, Arbeloa remains concentrated on navigating the tough domestic fixtures ahead, starting with games against Getafe and Celta Vigo. He acknowledges the difficulty of the upcoming matches and urges his team to maintain focus and secure vital points.


