Rodrygo’s father and agent is ignoring interest from Arsenal ahead of Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign, according to reports.
The Gunners are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements after another trophyless season and newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta has identified Rodrygo as one of the club’s primary targets out wide, along with Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.
Rodrygo is believed to have grown frustrated with his increasingly peripheral role under Carlo Ancelotti last term, which came to a head when the 24-year-old was left out of Madrid’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona.
The snub – which some perceived to be a personal affront – led to Rodrygo having to field incessant questions over his future at the Bernabeu, while also prompting both Arsenal and Chelsea to enquire over the Brazilian’s situation.
Teams from the Saudi Pro League have also been alerted a possible deal this summer and it’s understood Madrid would be prepared to sell the winger should they receive an offer of around €80million (£67.5m).
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According to The Athletic, Arsenal are continuing to ‘keep a close eye on the situation’ ahead of a possible bid for the two-time Champions League winner.
However, the report states that Rodrygo’s father and representative, Eric Goes, is ‘unwilling to enter into negotiations at this stage’, with his son said to have been charmed by Xabi Alonso.
It’s claimed Alonso has been ‘very attentive’ to Rodrygo in training and the Brazil international is feeling ‘positive’ again since Ancelotti left his post.
Rodrygo’s role and playing time during Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign could determine how the situation plays out over the coming weeks and months.
Rodrygo has three years remaining on his current contract in the Spanish capital.
Last week, Gabriel Magalhaes was asked whether he had any inside information on Rodrygo’s current mindset amid speculation they could soon become both international and club team-mates.
‘I don’t. No, I don’t, not really,’ the Arsenal and Brazil central defender told the Podpah Podcast.
‘But I’d like it, obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He’s not at Arsenal… I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon.
‘His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course.’
When facing the media, Alonso has played down speculation that Rodrygo could be set to up sticks.
‘Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player, and I will speak with everyone who is part of Real Madrid,’ he told reporters last month.
‘Rodrygo is a spectacular player and we will need him. He deserves it, and so do we.’
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