New Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has no intention of letting Arsenal transfer target Rodrygo leave this summer, describing the Brazilian as a player Los Blancos "need".
Arsenal aim to make a couple of big splashes in the transfer market this summer and are reportedly targeting an ambitious move for the Madrid star in addition to signing a new striker.
The Gunners' interest in Rodrygo is said to be genuine, with talks reportedly held already, and there are doubts over the winger's future in the Spanish capital.
The 24-year-old has been a consistent producer for Madrid in recent years without ever being thrust into the realm of superstardom. The presence of Vincius Junior and now Kylian Mbappe has forced Rodrygo to exclusively perform off the right flank, but the winger has proven in Vini Jr's absence that he, too, is better off the left.
Reports suggest Madrid could sell the Brazilian to bolster other areas of their squad, but the arrival of Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's successor could change the situation entirely.
Xabi Alonso is a huge fan of Arsenal transfer target Rodrygo
The new Real Madrid manager was asked about Rodrygo's situation at his introductory press conference, to which he replied (via Fabrizio Romano: "Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player. He is a spectacular player and we will need him."
Alonso said he's yet to speak to the 24-year-old, and his first discussion with the player will likely decide whether Rodrygo stays or goes this summer. According to the Spanish outlet AS (via Madrid Zone), the Brazilian will only seek a move elsewhere if Alonso tells him there's no place for him in his project. He's determined to prove his worth in the Spanish capital.
Relovo's Jorge Picon adds that Rodrygo doesn't yet have any offers on the table from interested clubs, and although he said that Arsenal's interest is 'real', he also noted that any deal is a 'long way off'.
The man who first reported Arsenal's intention to pursue the Madrid star, Florian Plettenberg, has also dampened spirits by suggesting the move 'is proving to be very complicated'. He writes that the Gunners are currently not willing to meet Rodrygo's *net* salary demand of €10m (£8.38m) – which is well in excess of £300,000-a-week.
That'd make him the club's highest-earner, but that's the sort of money Arsenal are going to have to splurge to acquire the elite.
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