Arsenal is strongly connected this summer to a deal for Rodrygo and the Real Madrid attacker was again an unused replacement in their clubworld cup match with PSG
Xabi Alonso thought that Real Madrid was better off with 'different players' after Rodrygo was again an unused replacement in the semi-final defeat of Los Blancos' Heavy Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Brazilian star, 24, has emerged in recent weeks as a serious target for Arsenal. And his future in the Bernabeu is unclear after he ended the 2024-25 campaign out of the grace under the previous head coach of the club, Carlo Ancelotti.
Rodrygo started Real's first match under Alonso at the club World Cup and even took an assist in their 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal.
But he was called for the next five games and stands up in just two under their new head coach.
When he was asked about Rodrygo's newest omission, Alonso said after the game: “I didn't play Rodrygo for a technical decision.
“We thought we would be better off with other players. It's not about his future.”
Although Alonso says that the decision has no influence on the future of Rodrygo, it is still to be seen whether the player feels the same. Recent reports have indicated that he and the club will discuss his future after the tournament, which is now over for Real Madrid.
And although Rodrygo has previously expressed the wish to stay and to fight for his place under Alonso, a blockbuster refuses to leave € 80 million (£ 67 million) of summer transfer.
Participate in the debate! Does Arsenal have to go out completely to sign Rodrygo? Let us know here
Arsenal has been advertised as a potential destination for the former Santos man and it has already been established that the Gunners have a serious interest in him.
However, the situation can be complicated by interest in Noni Madueke, who has already agreed personal conditions prior to a possible transfer. Contact has now also been made with Chelsea, about a deal that would see the wing player joining Arsenal.
Madueke is seen as a player who is able to fight a variety of roles in attack, also on the right where Bukayo Saka plays. But with Arsenal who also pursues deals for Viktor Gyokeres and Ebereechi Eze, it is unclear whether they can also finance a dive for Rodrygo, which would not be released cheaply.
Madueke and Eze would be both options to also play on the left side of the Arsenal attack, so it is still to see whether Arsenal will go all out for Rodrygo in the coming weeks.