Real Madrid have made their call on Endrick, and it is a firm one. Despite the forward’s growing frustration and sustained Premier League interest, the Spanish giants are not prepared to sell, leaving Arsenal facing a difficult equation ahead of the January window.

According to TeamTalk, Endrick’s camp held fresh talks with Real Madrid during the international break, with the club using those discussions to reiterate a clear message. They understand the player’s concerns, but they “have no intention of sanctioning a permanent departure”. For Arsenal, that is the central detail.

The 20-year-old remains highly regarded, yet his path to regular football is blocked. The report states that Endrick “made it clear during the discussions that he is far from happy with his current situation at the Santiago Bernabeu”. That frustration is understandable given his lack of involvement, particularly when his recent spell with Brazil offered more action than he has received in Madrid over a much longer period.

Arsenal have shown the strongest interest among the English clubs monitoring the situation. Tottenham Hotspur are also keen, while several others have checked on his availability. Yet Real Madrid’s preferred structure creates the problem.

The current position is that Madrid are “prepared to listen to proposals for a January loan – but only on a straight loan without an option to buy.” That wording matters. Arsenal, like other Premier League sides, would rather pursue a package that offers a route to permanence. In simple terms, they do not want to invest time, minutes and development into a player if there is no realistic chance of keeping him.

There is logic on both sides. Real Madrid want to protect a prized asset and retain control over his future. Arsenal want clarity, value and strategic benefit if they are to commit fully. Those aims do not currently align.

Part of the issue is competition. Endrick has found himself behind Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz, while further arrivals have made the picture even more crowded in Jose Mourinho’s squad. TeamTalk reports that his representatives believe “his current situation is not acceptable to them, given how far down the pecking order the youngster appears to have fallen”.

That sentiment will resonate with clubs looking for market opportunities. Arsenal, in particular, have long admired elite young talent capable of growing into a major role. Endrick fits that profile. He is dynamic, technically sharp and carries the sort of upside that encourages top clubs to stay alert, even when a deal looks complicated.