Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has brushed away mounting concerns that Rodrygo will leave the club this summer after the Brazilian was not included in their Club World Cup clash against Pachuca.
The Spanish giants beat the Mexican side 3-1 on Sunday but the 24-year-old was left on the bench, despite providing an assist in their opening game against Al-Hilal, amid ongoing speculation that he is nearing a Bernabeu exit.
The winger had appeared destined to leave Madrid after telling the club he never wanted to play for them again before choosing not to play in El Clasico against Barcelona in May.
Rodrygo felt he was behind superstar team-mates Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellinghams in the pecking order and saw his role depleted towards the end of the season, as he frequently was left on the bench under Carlo Ancelotti.
However, a summer move has appeared less certain since Xabi Alonso’s arrival, with Rodrygo said to have impressed his new boss in training.
But rumours have continued to swirl after Alonso left Rodrygo sitting on the bench in the latest Club World Cup tie, in what he described as a ‘technical’ decision.
Rodrygo was benched by Manager Xabi Alonso despite assisting the only goal against Al-Hilal
There is mounting speculation that Rodrygo is set to leave the Bernabeu in a summer transfer
Real Madrid beat Pachuca 3-1 to give Xabi Alonso his first win after a 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal
And Madrid have reportedly set an asking price of €90m for the forward with Arsenal intensely linked.
The Gunners have ‘a real possibility’ of completing a deal, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER.
However, Alonso has attempted to put an end to speculation, claiming Rodrygo remains ‘important’.
‘He looks good to me, enthusiastic. The other day was a technical decision,’ Madrid’s manager said.
‘He remains important and we will need him in the Club World Cup. He is a special player and he will have a significant role.’
Alonso was coy when asked if signing teenage star Franco Mastantuono from River Plate would impact Rodrygo’s future.
‘I’m very happy with everyone, and I’m counting on everyone,’ he said.
‘It’s a very demanding season; we’ll have 50 or 60 games. We need a squad with healthy competition. I’m happy.’
Alonso has attempted to put an end to speculation, claiming Rodrygo remains ‘important’
Alonso was coy when asked if signing Franco Mastantuono from River Plate Rodrygo’s future
If he were to leave Los Blancos, he reportedly wants to ‘explore other options’ than the Gunners because he is aware of interest from Manchester City.
Any move would likely take place in August rather than July, with the former Santos star currently involved in the Club World Cup.
Fabrizio Romano previously reported Arsenal ‘love’ Rodrygo but will not be in a position to bid for him until he informs Real of his desire to leave.
A lack of firepower in attack, namely at centre forward, derailed Arsenal’s title bid last season, with Kai Havertz the club’s highest scorer in the Premier League with just nine goals.
