Rodrygo to Arsenal transfer update as Xabi Alonso makes feelings clear about Real Madrid star

Xabi Alonso has provided an update on Rodrygo following his omission from Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Pachuca in the Club World Cup. The 24-year-old winger, who continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, was an unused substitute as Los Blancos stormed past the Mexican outfit.

Rodrygo faced an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu until Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout. Upon the former Liverpool midfielder's unveiling as the new Los Blancos boss, he ruled out the Brazil international's departure.

Alonso claimed that Rodrygo is in his plans, but, since touching down in the United States, the Arsenal target hasn't played as much as he would've liked. So, when the Brazilian was dropped from the starting lineup in Real Madrid's second game of the Club World Cup, questions were asked.

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Speaking to reporters following the clash against Pachuca, Alonso doubled down and insisted that Rodrygo 'remains important' to his project. The Spaniard said: "He looks good to me, enthusiastic.

"The other day was a technical decision. 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."

Then, when asked if the arrival of Franco Mastantuono, who recently joined Real Madrid from River Plate for £38.5 million on a six-year contract, could spell the end for either Rodrygo or Brahim Diaz, Alonso pointed to the increasing number of games in the football calendar.

"I’m very happy with everyone, and I’m counting on everyone," said the former Bayer Leverkusen boss. "It’s a very demanding season; we’ll have 50 or 60 games. We need a squad with healthy competition. I’m happy."

According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Florentino Perez has been closely following the situation. The report claims that the Real Madrid president has been in direct contact with Alonso, who – behind the scenes – has supposedly said: "I have demanded commitment and dedication from him (Rodrygo), like the rest of the team."

Defensa Central reckon that the former Liverpool midfielder has also told Perez: "He (Rodrygo) has not asked me to leave nor is anything bad happening with him, he is one more of the team."

football.london understands that Arsenal are interested in Rodrygo, but any move for the winger will be complicated. Alonso is said to be a big fan of Arda Guler, who has featured in each of Real Madrid's games at the Club World Cup this summer.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Gunners' final game of the season, Mikel Arteta was asked about the Rodrygo links. He said: "I wouldn’t like to name a player. But the biggest thing is that, and using the word pride, we have brought the club into a position, into a place that next season you have to win a major trophy.

"That means that everybody believes that we have the level, that we have shown the consistency and we are an elite team in this country and in Europe and if you don't do that, then what is going to happen?

"For me that is the biggest statement, that Arsenal is there..."