Mind games? Being nice to an Arsenal interviewer? Whatever the reason, the newly minted Player of the Year reckons Mikel Arteta's side are the favourites this year.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has said he is counting on Rodrygo amid links to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. After playing a bit-part role at the Club World Cup earlier in the summer, the Brazilian continues to be linked with a Santiago Bernabeu exit before the transfer window closes.

Gary Lineker has now said who will score more goals this season out of Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike or Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres.

Rodrygo has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with Arsenal and Liverpool said to be monitoring his situation at Real Madrid.

Andoni Iraola has since been endowed with an overdue centre-half and attacking depth in Bafode Diakite and Ben Gannon-Doak. But Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva and Vitor Pereira have all reiterated the need for new and ready-made signings.

Arsenal may see the forward as an option, particularly after he contributed six goals and five assists in 30 La Liga appearances last season. The Brazilian’s limited involvement in Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign further fuelled speculation that his time at the Bernabeu could be nearing an end.

Arsenal made Gyokeres their number one attacking target after finding themselves frustrated in their efforts to sign Benjamin Sesko, whom they had had their eye on for over a year, but RB Leipzig's price demands allegedly proved excessive earlier this summer.

Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, with Arsenal reportedly rejecting a swap deal involving the Brazilian and star defender William Saliba