Arsenal target 'tells Real Madrid' he does not want to return

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Jacobo Ramon has reportedly informed Real Madrid that he has no interest in returning to the Spanish capital — a stance that could prove significant for Arsenal.

The Como centre-back was linked with the Gunners during the last transfer window, with reports at the time indicating that serious discussions took place over a possible move to north London. Arsenal ultimately went in a different direction, signing Ezri Konsa, who has settled quickly since his arrival.

Ramon, meanwhile, has continued to build his reputation in Serie A as Como outperform expectations, and he is now widely regarded as one of the more promising young defenders in European football.

The Real Madrid complication

The biggest hurdle for any suitor has always been Real Madrid. Ramon left the Bernabeu for Como, and the Spanish giants retain an interest in his future along with a degree of influence over where he ends up next.

A return to Madrid has been floated as a realistic outcome, which would effectively close the door on Arsenal. According to Fichajes, however, Ramon has told Real Madrid that he does not want to go back and would rather continue his career elsewhere.

It is worth noting that Fichajes are not among the most reliable outlets on the transfer circuit, so the claim should be treated with appropriate caution until it is corroborated by a more established source.

Playing time the deciding factor

The logic behind Ramon's reported position is straightforward. Real Madrid have invested heavily in experienced centre-backs, and a returning young defender would face a significant queue for minutes at a stage of his career when regular football matters most.

That opens the door for clubs who can offer a clearer pathway. Arsenal's previous interest suggests the recruitment department has been tracking his development for some time, and his form for Como has only strengthened his case.

Any approach would still require assurances over his role. Ramon would need convincing that a move to the Premier League would mean genuine involvement rather than a place further down the pecking order — a conversation that would be shaped by Arsenal's existing options at centre-back following the Konsa addition.

For now, this remains monitoring rather than movement. But a player of Ramon's profile — young, highly rated and reportedly unwilling to take the Madrid route — is exactly the kind of target Arsenal have pursued in recent windows.

With Como continuing to punch above their weight in Serie A, the defender's stock is only likely to rise between now and the next window, and Arsenal will be watching how his situation develops.