Arsenal's pursuit of Real Madrid star Rodrygo was further stimulated after the attacker was again omitted from their starting line-up at the FIFA Club World Cup.
The future of Rodrygo has been an important point of discussion that the tournament is on its way, in the midst of reports that his performances would help determine whether he will stay in the club this summer.
The winger was destined to leave Madrid after he told the club that he never wanted to play for them again before he chose not to play in El Clasico against Barcelona in May.
Rodrygo thought he was in the pecking order behind Superstar teammates Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius JR and Jude Bellinghams and saw his role exhausted by the end of the season because he was often left on the couch under Carlo Ancelotti.
New Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso seemed to offer Rodrygo a route back to the side and gave the 24-year-old a start in their opening club World Cup competition.
The Brazilian offered an assist in the 1-1 draw of Real Madrid with Al-Hilal in the group stage, where he played for 65 minutes.
Rodrygo has since seen his playing time limited, with Alonso called him on the couch for the three consecutive games.
While he came from the bank in the final phase of their RB Salzburg group stage, Rodrygo was an unused replacement against the Mexican side Pachuca and Italian giant Juventus on Tuesday.
Real Madrid earned a 1-0 win over Juventus to book a place in the quarterfinals, where Gonzalo Garcia scored the only goal of the game.
Garcia, 21, has forced his way in the Real Madrid attack on the tournament after Kylian Mbappe's attack by gastro -tiritis.
The growing role of the Spaniard has kept the competition in forward areas, so that the position of Rodrygo was further investigated.
Speaking for the victory over Juventus, Alonso claimed that Rodrygo trained well, but emphasized that it remains his decision about who is playing.
“After the game I try to approach everyone I meet on the way,” said Alonso. 'He had a few minutes [against Salzburg] who were important to him and he will be important.
'In these championships, sometimes those who start are just as important as those who come in. They can have a decisive impact, so every player must be prepared for everything their way comes. Everyone has a good attitude.
'Rodrygo trains well and I see him well. Then it's my decision that plays. '
Real Madrid has reportedly set an asking price of € 90 million (£ 77 million) for the attacker intensely linked to Arsenal.
The Gunners have 'a real opportunity' to complete a deal, according to the Spanish Outlet Cadena Ser.