Rodrygo is one of the names highest on Arsenal’s transfer list, but right now, the player’s focus is on the Club World Cup.
Andrea Berta is active in the transfer market with many attacking targets identified for the Gunners.
In the left-wing area, Rodrygo is on Arsenal’s radar, but he’s not the only one, with Rafael Leao also of interest at the Emirates.
Surprisingly, the Real Madrid star presents the cheaper option as Arsenal would only have to pay £77m for Rodrygo, which could be a bargain acquisition.
Xabi Alonso’s cryptic message about Rodrygo’s future
All signs are pointing to the exit for the Brazil international at Real Madrid, but for now, there’s a job to be completed at the Club World Cup.
The Club World Cup has been puzzling for Rodrygo, as in the early stages of his Madrid career, Xabi Alonso has made his thoughts on the 24-year-old known.
While Alonso acknowledged that he has Rodrygo in his plans, the newly appointed manager’s actions tell a different story.
Rodrygo didn’t feature against Pachuca, and ahead of Los Blancos’ final group stage game against RB Salzburg, Alonso was forced to comment on the Arsenal target’s omission.
“Rodrygo? What happened the other day was a technical decision,” Alonso told the media in his pre-match press conference.
What followed was rather cryptic from the coach, who, while insisting that the player is ‘important’ to Madrid, said that the club would need him at the Club World Cup, not mentioning the season ahead.
“He’s still important, and we’ll need him at the Club World Cup.”
It will be fascinating to see what role Alonso hands the winger in Real Madrid’s final group stage game, particularly as Rodrygo’s family are becoming unhappy with how he’s being treated.
Arsenal will be paying close attention to the Club World Cup
There are pros and cons to the Arsenal target being at the Club World Cup.
The tournament comes at a frustrating time with regard to negotiating a possible transfer; however, it has been telling of what role Rodrygo could play at Madrid under Alonso.
At 24, there’s no time for the Brazilian to risk spending the 2025/26 campaign as a squad player, particularly being the talent that he is.
Mikel Arteta has plans for Rodrygo at Arsenal, signalling that the winger would be granted his favoured role on the left if he were to make the move to the Emirates.
For now, the Gunners will watch what unfolds at the tournament, with it being a valuable indication of where their target stands at his current club.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Rosie Tudball