- Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo
- The Brazilian had looked set to leave the Spanish giants after six years at Madrid
- LISTEN: Was ‘Fergie Time’ real? Veteran Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg reveals all on the first episode of the Mail’s brand-new football podcast Whistleblowers
Arsenal have been handed a hammer blow in their pursuit for Real Madrid star Rodrygo after the Brazilian revealed he wants to stay at the club under Xabi Alonso.
The 24-year-old has been eyed by major clubs across Europe including Arsenal after he reportedly told Madrid he never wanted to play for them again having refused to feature in last month’s El Clasico against Barcelona.
The Brazilian winger was said to be upset about playing a secondary role behind superstar team-mates Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, and was increasingly warming the bench under Carlo Ancelotti last season.
Ancelotti has since been replaced by Alonso and the pair are due to hold crunch talks.
But Alonso’s arrival appears to have convinced the winger to stay and he has already told the Spaniard his future lies in Madrid, and that any doubts have been dispelled, according to Marca.
It marks a dramatic U-turn for the 24-year-old, who appeared set to leave the Bernabeu after six seasons at the club.
Rodrygo has reportedly decided to stay at Real Madrid after being set to leave in the summer
Xabi Alonso has replaced Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid and has convinced the Brazilian to stay
The 24-year-old had felt frustrated after taking a backseat role behind Mbappe and Bellingham
Rodrygo, who is contracted until 2028 and has a €1 billion (£850million) release clause, even took to social media to profess his newfound delight under the new boss.
Posting on X, he shared three training snaps, with the caption ‘happy’.
Arsenal were keenly monitoring Rodrygo’s situation and had approached him in the hope of luring him to north London before the start of next season.
Arteta had been convinced Rodrygo would play a major role in the Gunners’ pursuit of silverware, The Athletic reported, with Arsenal having finished second in the Premier League for a third successive season last term.
It is also reported, however, that Arsenal are not the only Premier League side to have approached the winger, although the clubs in question have not been named.
Rodrygo was frustrated at taking a backseat at Madrid since Bellingham and Mbappe’s arrivals but also because he prefers playing on the left-wing rather than the right.
His eagerness to play left wing at Arsenal could present a major blow to his international team-mate Gabriel Martinelli, who has played there consistently for Arsenal over the past few seasons.
A lack of attacking threat, namely at centre forward, was problematic for Arsenal last season, with a Kai Havertz the club’s top scorer in the Premier League with nine goals.
Arsenal were keenly monitoring Rodrygo’s situation and his decision to stay comes as a blow
Arsenal are keen to bolster their attack after an injury ravaged season saw them short up front
Rodrygo appeared certain to leave under Ancelotti but has decided to stay after his departure
Meanwhile, Alonso’s arrival ushers in a new era at Madrid, with the ex-midfielder replacing Ancelotti after four seasons in charge.
The former Chelsea and Everton head coach has taken the reins of Brazil’s national side.
They have looked to bolster their squad after a disappointing season where they missed out on the LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup all to Barcelona, and have already signed Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Hujisen.
