A Real Madrid player wants to have a conversation with Xabi Alonso before a possible transfer elsewhere.
Alonso officially began his tenure as Real Madrid head coach on Monday, after replacing Carlo Ancelotti last month.
He completed his first training session ahead of this month’s Club World Cup, where Real Madrid will play Al Hilal, Pachuca, and Salzburg in the group stage.
Real Madrid has already made several signings before traveling to the USA, securing Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.
More players are expected to arrive for the new season, while some may also leave.
One of the players who could leave is Rodrygo, who has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, while Chelsea is also monitoring his situation.
Mikel Arteta is determined to strengthen his squad for the 2025/2026 season to close the gap on Liverpool, having finished behind them in the last Premier League campaign.
He has identified Rodrygo, who has reportedly been contacted by intermediaries from several Premier League clubs, according to The Athletic.
Arsenal is monitoring him and believes he could add a new dimension to their attack. According to the report, Rodrygo’s father and agent don’t want to enter negotiations until the forward has spoken with Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso.
The 24-year-old reportedly wants to “feel important” and feels more comfortable playing on the left wing or centrally, rather than on the right.
If Rodrygo were to sign for Arsenal, Arteta could use him in his preferred position on the left wing, with Bukayo Saka on the right.
