Rodrygo to Arsenal transfer latest as new Real Madrid talks and shock Barcelona enquiry revealed

Arsenal have been given a wake-up call in the race to sign Rodrygo. The Real Madrid winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, having struggled to force himself into Xabi Alonso's side.

When the former Liverpool midfielder was unveiled as the new Los Blancos manager, he claimed Rodrygo had a future at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite insisting that the Brazil international was in his plans, he was only given 92 minutes to impress at the Club World Cup.

Alonso preferred Brahim Diaz off the bench, while Gonzalo Garcia enjoyed an excellent breakout campaign in the United States. Even Kylian Mbappe, who missed the start of the tournament due to illness, was thrown straight back into the starting lineup once he felt better.

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football.london understands that Arsenal are interested in Rodrygo, but any move would be complicated. The Gunners' reluctance to launch a bid for the Real Madrid star has left the door wide open for other teams to swoop in.

According to on his , the Spanish giants are currently in talks with Rodrygo over his future. The report claims that the winger 'loves' the club, but there's a 'real possibility' he could leave in the coming weeks.

It's said that Real Madrid could be open to selling him if they receive an offer worth around €100m (£85m). Meanwhile, the Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte reckons that Barcelona are now in the race to sign Rodrygo.

The Catalan outfit have reportedly contacted intermediaries to inform them of their interest in the player. The report states that there are no ongoing talks, but Hansi Flick's side have made it clear they're willing to open negotiations if Rodrygo decides to leave.

UOL Esporte adds that Barcelona are 'keeping an eye on the situation'. As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not Arsenal or the Spanish champions will make a move.

Speaking to reporters following a 1-0 win over Juventus earlier this month, Alonso provided an update on Rodrygo's future. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss said: "After the game, I try to approach everyone I meet along the way.

"He had a few minutes [against Salzburg] that were important for him and he will be important. In these championships, sometimes those who start are just as important as those who come in.

"They can have a decisive impact, so each player has to be prepared for whatever comes their way. Everyone is in a good disposition. Rodrygo is training well and I see him in good spirits. Then it's my decision who plays."

A few days later, Alonso suggested that Rodrygo has been underperforming. The Spaniard said: "I’m sure Rodrygo can return to his best form. I spoke with him; he's positive, eager, and ready when needed."

Then, after Real Madrid crashed out of the Club World Cup, Alonso claimed it was a tactical decision to leave Rodrygo on the bench. He said: "The fact that he didn't play again is a game-by-game decision.

"The way things were going, we needed another player. There haven't been any decisions about the future throughout this entire championship."