Xabi Alonso has admitted that Rodrygo was unhappy at Real Madrid at the end of last season as reports continue to swirl of a potential summer move to Arsenal.
Rodrygo is one of Arsenal’s potential targets for the summer transfer window, as Mikel Arteta plans to strengthen an attack that badly misfired last season.
The signing of Kylian Mbappe last summer saw the Brazilian’s status within the squad diminish.
With the focus on Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham it has proven hard to find star status and space.
This led to a lot of reports that Rodrygo was unhappy at Madrid, something new Blancos manager Xabi Alonso has now confirmed.
What did Alonso say?
“I know what had happened in the final stretch, it was not easy for him,” Alonso said ahead of Madrid’s opening match of the Club World Cup against Al-Hilal.
“He took some time to reset his head and I see him wanting to enjoy and contribute.”
AS journalist Eduardo Burgos added on Wednesday that Arsenal are optimistic of their chances of signing Rodrygo.
Burgos says that Arsenal already held talks with Rodrygo’s entourage several weeks ago.
For now, Rodrygo is focusing on Madrid but that the Blancos will demand €90 million in the event of a sale.
Fabrizio Romano reported earlier on Wednesday that Arsenal are very much in the race for Rodrygo.
“On Rodrygo, what I’m hearing, is that the position of Arsenal is absolutely confirmed,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“Arsenal like and appreciate Rodrygo and will add, not just a striker, but an important winger to their squad in the summer transfer window.
“Yes, they like the player and they are informed on the player, but they are not negotiating with Real Madrid, they have not approached the club or the player. We’re not even at the early stages.”
Arsenal like Rodrygo’s flexibility as he can play across the frontline, as well as his scoring ability.
Rodrygo at Real Madrid
Rodrygo joined Real Madrid from Santos for €40 million in the summer of 2019.
The 24-year-old has gone on to make 267 appearances for Real Madrid over the last five seasons, scoring 68 goals.
He has often been used as substitute but has proved a crucial member of the squad in La Liga and the Champions League.
He most famously impacted Madrid’s 2022 Champions League triumph.
He scored key goals in the quarter final win over Chelsea and the dramatic late comeback victory over Man City in the semi final.
Rodrygo scored in the 89th and 91st minute in the second leg over City to take the game into extra time which Madrid won. The Blancos then lifted the cup in the final.
His contract expires in June 2028.
Football transfer news headlines today
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
