Xabi Alonso was unveiled as Real Madrid manager on Monday afternoon
During the presentation, he opened up on reports linking Rodrygo with a move
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By JAMES COHEN
Published: 11:55 EDT, 26 May 2025 | Updated: 11:55 EDT, 26 May 2025
Xabi Alonso dropped a major hint over Rodrygo's future at his first Real Madrid press conference, amid reports linking the winger with a move away from Spain.
On Sunday, the Spanish giants announced that Alonso would sign a three-year deal, beginning on June 1 and running to June 30, 2028.
This will see the Spaniard be able to take charge of the team for the upcoming Club World Cup, which begins on June 14.
As one of his first duties, Alonso sat down in front of the media for the first time on Monday afternoon and spoke on the future of Brazilian star Rodrygo.
The winger has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer window however the Gunners appear to be been dealt a blow in their pursuit as Alonso weighed in.
The Spaniard said: 'Rodrygo? He is a Real Madrid player. He is a spectacular player and we will need him.'
Xabi Alonso dropped a hint over Rodrygo's future at his first Real Madrid press conference
Rodrgyo has 68 goals and 50 assists in 267 appearances, but has been linked with a transfer
The 24-year-old has developed into an integral player for Madrid since joining from Brazilian side Santos for €45million (£37.9m) in 2019.
The forward, who has also won 33 caps for Brazil, may have a lower profile than fellow attackers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jnr, yet he still has a hugely impressive record at the Bernabeu.
Rodrygo has 68 goals and 50 assists in 267 appearances for Los Blancos but after a difficult campaign for Real, reports have linked him with a move away this summer.
Sky Sports Germany claimed Arsenal are in talks with the 24-year-old over a move and that he is at the top of their list of targets on the wing, although he has also been touted with a move to Man City, Man United and Liverpool.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was pressed on these reports prior to Arsenal's final game of the campaign against Southampton - which saw them win 2-1.
'If you want to win titles, you have to be the best in the market,' Arteta said as he refused to confirm or deny the links. 'The teams that win have the best players.
'It's a matter of pride. It shows we've brought the club to a level where people expect us to challenge for trophies.
'What is clear with the amount of injuries that we had in the front line is that we need a goal threat and we need firepower'.
Arsenal are looking for attacking reinforcements this summer as they look to take the next step
Alonso signed a three-year deal, beginning on June 1 and running to June 30, 2028
Alonso, meanwhile, was unveiled as Madrid boss on Monday afternoon after impressing in his first job in management at Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
In his first season at the helm in 2023-24, he guided them to the title unbeaten, as they failed to lose a single game.
Leverkusen failed to emulate their scintillating form of the last campaign by finishing a distant second to Bayern Munich this season.
However, the signing of Alonso is a major coup for Real as he is regarded as one of the most gifted coaches in world football.