**New Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso says he “will need” Manchester City target Rodrygo next season.**
There is growing speculation that the Brazilian international will leave the Bernabeu over the coming weeks. However, when asked about the player’s future at his first press conference as Real boss, Alonso said:
“Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player. He is a spectacular player and we will need him”.
City are not the only Premier League interested in Rodrygo, with reports suggesting Arsenal have held initial talks with the player’s camp, while both Chelsea and Liverpool have been credited with an interest as well.
How much would Rodrygo cost?
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It has been reported that Real may be willing to let the 24-year-old leave if they receive a fee in the region of €80m (£67m), which is substantially below the €100m (£84m) they have demanded in the past.
The reason for that could be due to Rodrygo himself who may be keen to leave Real if he isn’t going to play on a regular basis next season.
Alonso insists that the Brazilian is an important part of his plans but his system only allows for 2 forwards, which could have negative consequences for those who are not Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Do City need to sign another forward?
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Omar Marmoush has been excellent since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt during the January transfer window and the Egyptian international can provide cover on the left flank, along with Jeremy Doku.
Considering Rodrygo’s favoured position is on that side of the pitch, you can’t see there being much room in the squad for him, even if Jack Grealish leaves the Etihad over the coming weeks.
Manager Pep Guardiola is not keen to have a large squad, having bemoaned the fact that he was forced to leave Grealish at home for the game against Fulham at the weekend. It means he may not be too enthusiastic about recruiting Rodrygo despite his undoubted talent.
Read our exclusive interview with City legend Paul Dickov as he [**discusses the prospect of signing Rodrygo**](https://mancitynews.com/man-city-transfer-news-exclusive-rodrygo-dickov/).