Real Madrid star and Arsenal target Rodrygo endured another afternoon in the cold as Xabi Alonso picked up his first win as manager. Los Blancos earned their first triumph of the Club World Cup in a 3-1 win over Mexican side Pachuca despite going down to 10 men after just seven minutes.
However, he was forced to watch on from the bench in North Carolina after his 65 minute outing against Al-Hilal on Wednesday where he provided the assists for Gonzalo Garcia's opener. Rodrygo's omission comes during a period of uncertainty surrounding his future as he looks to nudge his way into the first-team plans of the new Real Madrid head coach.
Arsenal continue to be heavily linked with his services over a potentially blockbuster move that would bring him to North London.
John Cross of the Mirror has claimed that Mikel Arteta has outlined that the 24-year-old has been identified as a top target at the Emirates Stadium this summer with the Gunners looking to reinforce their squad to fire them back to the Premier League summit.
But the report suggests that while Real Madrid may be willing to let the Brazil international leave the club this summer, Arsenal may have to play a waiting game for the wing wizard.
The La Liga giants could reportedly demand a fee in excess of £70million with his wage demands likely to make him a top earner in North London, should he sign along the dotted line.
Rodrygo faces an important decision this summer. He finds himself in competition with world renowned superstars such as Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe.
But he may also find his role in Carlo Ancelotti's national team with Brazil under threat, should his gametime become limited after failing to usurp his Brazilian compatriot or the France superstar.
According to the report, Andre Berta - the Arsenal sporting director - has ben in conversation with a host of clubs, agents and players this summer and there is a belief that last season's La Liga runners-up may be willing to do business.
It has been suggested that Madrid's stance may soften as the transfer window progresses, if they have to offloadp layers or lower their demands in order to meet their own transfer strategy.
However, there is genuine interest in Rodrygo, it has been reported, after seemingly cooling their interest in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who looks set to join Real Madrid's fierce rivals, Barcelona.
Since taking over at the Bernabeu, Alonso has been faced with the prospect of losing Rodrygo but he has remained insistent that the Brazilian has a future in the capital.
"I know what had happened," Alonso told reporters.
"The end of the season wasn't easy for him[Rodrygo].
"He took some time to reset.
"We've talked since day one, and I see him eager to contribute on the field and enjoy himself."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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