Real Madrid Unveil New Head Coach Signing Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso has made it clear he wants Real Madrid to keep hold of Rodrygo (Picture: Getty)
Rodrygo has made a decision on his Real Madrid future following Xabi Alonso confirming he wants to keep the Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target at the Bernabeu.
The Brazil international had been a mainstay of the side that enjoyed such success under Carlo Ancelotti but endured a difficult end to the current campaign.
Ancelotti was forced to deny reports that the 24-year-old had decided to quit the club earlier this month before his own departure.
Unsurprisingly, new Real manager, Alonso, was quizzed as to whether Rodrygo would be part of his plans at his unveiling earlier this week.
‘Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player,’ said Alonso at a press conference. ‘He is a spectacular player and we will need him.’
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According to Marca, the former Santos youngster is in no doubt that he wants to remain at Real and be a key part of the club’s rebuilding operation.
Having surrendered La Liga to Barcelona and exited the Champions League prematurely, the Spanish giants are ready to invest heavily in their squad over the course of the transfer window.
FC Barcelona v Real Madrid - Copa del Rey Final
Rodrygo has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Dean Huijsen has already joined from Bournemouth in a £50million transfer, while Trent Alexander-Arnold has arrived in time to feature at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup after Real agreed to pay Liverpool a £50m fee.
Rodrygo’s potential availability had alerted the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal who are both intent on strengthening their attacks in the coming monnths.
Arsenal’s need is particularly pressing but the current focus appears to be on recruiting a centre forward.
The Gunners were reported to be in talks to sign Sporting Lisbon’s prolific Viktor Gyokeres earlier this week, but their attention appears to now be centering on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are already set to welcome exciting youngsters Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez into their first team squad even before they begin their latest recruitment drive.
Fresh from clinching Champions League qualification and winning the Conference League, the Blues are, however, on the verge of signing Liam Delap from Ipswich.
The England Under-21 international was available for just £30million and the former Manchester City youngster is set for Stamford Bridge after choosing Chelsea instead of Manchester United.
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