Real Madrid secured the future of winger Vinicius Junior with a new contract, ending Arsenal's pursuit of the Brazilian forward, while the club also confirmed it will not move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri after he chose Barcelona.
Vinicius, who had been in the final year of his contract, returned to Real Madrid on Monday with his renewal now completed. Arsenal had been ready to break their wage structure to sign him, but the extension removes any chance of a transfer this summer.
Real Madrid's attention had also been on Rodri, a priority midfield target for new coach Jose Mourinho. A deal had appeared to be progressing since the end of the World Cup, but the City star has opted to join Barcelona instead. According to reports, Real Madrid will not pursue another midfielder after that setback.
The club has already had a busy summer, bringing in as many as six new players in a blockbuster window. Mourinho has taken over as coach, and midfielder Federico Valverde has been named the team's first captain for the new season.
Valverde spoke to the media after Real Madrid's 2-1 friendly win over Ferencvaros, touching on Rodri's decision, Mourinho's influence, and his own added responsibility as captain.