Xabi Alonso has explained Rodrygo was left out of his Real Madrid team for ‘technical’ reasons as speculation over a move to Arsenal continues to grow.
The Brazil international has emerged as a top transfer target for the Gunners if he decides to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Real are currently competing in the Club World Cup in the United States with Rodrygo providing the assist in their 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal in their opening group match. It was his first appearances for the club since being replaced at half-time in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona in April.
Spanish reports claimed Rodrygo was desperate to leave the club at the end of their La Liga campaign but the arrival of Xabi Alonso as new head coach appeared to smooth over the issue.
But doubts over the winger’s future remerged after he was left out of the team Sunday night in the win over Mexican outfit Pachuca, remaining on the bench as an unused substitute.
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Explaining his decision, Alonso insisted Rodrygo will be in contention to return to the side for the final group game against RB Salzburg this week.
‘He looks good, enthusiastic,’ Alonso said. ‘The other day [against Pachuca] was a technical decision but he’s still important, he’s a special player. I think he’ll play an important part at the Club World Cup.’
Alonso has stated on more than one occasion since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen that Rodrygo is part of his plans moving forward in the Spanish capital. But reports suggests he is still to be given firm guarantees over his role in the team.
Arsenal believe they can tempt the 24-year-old to north London with Mikel Arteta keen on another wide option who can offer a different threat down the left and offer cover to Bukayo Saka on the right.
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.’
