‘He’s a Phenomenon’ – Gabriel Says He Would Love to Have Real Madrid Star at Arsenal

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes has heaped praise on Brazilian teammate and Gunners’ transfer target Rodrygo, calling the Real Madrid forward a “phenomenon.” 

The Real Madrid forward, who has lost a bit of prominence since Kylian Mbappe’s arrival, is out of contract in June 2028.

After finishing second for three consecutive seasons in the Premier League, Arsenal are eager to reinforce ahead of 2025/26.

According to reports, the Gunners are eyeing a prominent goal threat this summer. Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko have been linked, while a supercomputer has predicted Victor Osimhen to join.

Alongside the aforementioned centre-forwards, Arsenal are also reportedly monitoring a few wide men. Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is one of the top names on the list.

Arsenal Star Gabriel Would Love to Play Alongside Real Madrid’s Rodrygo

After Brazil qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over Paraguay, Arsenal centre-back Gabriel commented on the Rodrygo rumours.

When asked if the Real Madrid star would move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, Gabriel said:

“I don’t [know if he is joining], but I’d like [him to] obviously. He’s a phenomenon.

“I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon! If it was up to me, of course.”

🚨 Gabriel Magalhães on @PodPah:

– Do you know if Rodrygo will join Arsenal?

“I don’t. But I’d like obviously. He’s a phenomenon. I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon! If it was up to me, of course!”

“I spoke to the director.” 🤯

🎥 @orehnato
pic.twitter.com/hxj7URhOYg

— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) June 12, 2025

Rodrygo Is ‘Happy’ to Stay and Work Under New Real Madrid Boss Xabi Alonso

Earlier this year, Radio MARCA claimed Rodrygo had decided to leave Los Blancos. This report came after Carlo Ancelotti left him on the bench in the 4-3 LaLiga defeat to Barcelona. The Italian manager did not even bring him on from the bench, picking Victor Munoz ahead of him.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez did not want Xabi Alonso to succeed Ancelotti so soon. But the move has worked out well for Rodrygo, renewing his ambitions.

As Real Madrid prepare to make their mark in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Rodrygo took to social media to publish a meaningful post.

The Brazilian posted pictures of himself training, with the caption “Feliz (Happy).”

FELIZ 😄🤍⚽️ pic.twitter.com/n8QbYhveSs

— Rodrygo Goes (@RodrygoGoes) June 10, 2025

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes the message is meaningful, as it conveys that Rodrygo does not want to move. And since he has a long-term contract with Real Madrid, the only way for Arsenal to succeed is if the 24-year-old breaks through.

As things stand, there is little chance of it happening, at least this summer.

“On Rodrygo Goes, what I can tell you is that he posted ‘Happy’ [on his social media], and there’s one more message from Rodrygo, because Rodrygo never asked Real Madrid to leave the club these weeks or these days,” said Romano.

“So there is interest from Arsenal. He’s a dream target for Arsenal, but it’s not even a negotiation at this point, because the only way to make it happen as a negotiation is for Rodrygo to tell Real Madrid, okay, I want to leave the club. And Rodrygo hasn’t done that so far.”

Would signing Rodrygo give Arsenal the missing piece they need to win the Premier League? 🏆🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/H9f3CfqBny

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 12, 2025

He concluded by adding:

“So Rodrygo’s intention remains to do his best for Xabi Alonso, to work at his best level and to see a message with ‘Happy’ is quite an important development in this Rodrygo story.”

Since joining Real Madrid in 2019, Rodrygo has played 267 games for the club in all competitions, scoring 68 goals and providing 50 assists. He has won three LaLiga titles and two Champions League trophies, among other honours.