Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has provided a further indication that Rodrygo will stay at the club despite interest from Arsenal.
Doubts over the Brazil international’s future in the Spanish capital emerged at the end of last season after he was left on the bench for the title-deciding Clasico against Barcelona.
Reports in Spain later claimed Rodrygo had grown disillusioned with life at the Bernabeu with Arsenal among the clubs eager to offer him a new start.
In addition to a striker, the Gunners are eager to enlist the services of a new winger with Nico Williams and Anthony Gordon among their targets.
The Premier League side have also been closely monitoring developments around Rodrygo in Spain with Arteta a huge admirer of the former Sao Paulo youngster.
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Teams from the Saudi Pro League have also been credited with interest this summer with Madrid prepared to sell the winger should they receive an offer of around €80million (£67.5m).
Shortly after arriving to replace Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso explained his intention to keep the ‘spectacular’ Brazilian at the club. Speculation has continued to build, but the new Real head coach has reiterated his desire to keep him at the club, believing Rodrygo has now had time to ‘reset his mind’.
Speaking ahead of Real’s opening match of the Club World Cup against Al-Hilal, Alonso said: “I know what had happened in the final stretch, it was not easy for him.
‘He took some time to reset his head and I see him wanting to enjoy and contribute.’
There are increasing signs Rodrygo will remain a Real player with his father and representative, Eric Goes, ‘unwilling to enter into negotiations’ with Arsenal or any other club at this stage, with his son said to have been charmed by Alonso.
Reports in Spain have claimed Alonso has been ‘very attentive’ to Rodrygo in training since his arrival with the player feeling ‘positive’ again over his future at the club.
Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes meanwhile has urged the Gunners to sign his ‘phenomenal’ countryman.
During his appearance on the Podpah Podcast, Gabriel was asked if he knows whether Arsenal will sign Rodrygo this summer.
‘I don’t. No, I don’t, not really,’ Gabriel replied.
‘But I’d like obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He’s not at Arsenal… If it depended on me, I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon.
‘His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course.’
