Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso Open To Rodrygo Sale As Arsenal Monitor

A significant summer transfer saga appears to be brewing in the Spanish capital, with Real Madrid and newly appointed coach Xabi Alonso reportedly open to the departure of Brazilian forward Rodrygo. The 24-year-old attacker has seen his playing time drastically curtailed since Alonso took the helm, featuring for a mere 23 minutes across three matches, according to confidential sources close to the club. This limited involvement follows a period of concern regarding Rodrygo's motivation in training under previous coach Carlo Ancelotti, culminating in his recent Club World Cup appearance against Al Hilal on June 18, which marked his first game in 53 days.

Rodrygo's struggles for consistent minutes are exacerbated by the formidable attacking talent at Real Madrid, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham often occupying the prime offensive roles. His father and agent, Eric Goes, has reportedly voiced displeasure over his son's situation, highlighting the challenging environment for the talented forward. Despite playing crucial roles in Madrid's two Champions League triumphs since 2021, doubts about Rodrygo's consistency have persisted, particularly given his own assertion that his natural position on the left flank is often occupied by Vinicius Jr and now, potentially, Mbappe.

Across the English Channel, Arsenal are keenly monitoring Rodrygo's situation and have already engaged in preliminary discussions with the player's representatives. The Gunners' coaching staff are understood to be significant admirers of the Brazilian's versatile attacking prowess, believing he possesses the ability to operate effectively on both flanks of their offensive setup. This emerging interest in Rodrygo comes as Arsenal's pursuit of other left-sided targets, such as Anthony Gordon and Nico Williams, appears to have cooled. However, any move for a player of Rodrygo's caliber would necessitate significant player sales from the North London club to balance their books, considering the considerable transfer fees likely to be involved.

While sources within Real Madrid indicate the club would not impede Rodrygo's exit should a suitable offer materialize, the official stance from the club remains contradictory. Publicly, Madrid insists they have no intention of selling the player and fully expect him to be a vital component of their future plans. Signed from Santos for €40 million in 2019 at just 18 years old, Rodrygo made an immediate impact, famously scoring a hat-trick in a Champions League rout against Galatasaray. His potential departure marks a critical juncture for both the player and the clubs involved, setting the stage for a compelling summer transfer window.