Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has dismissed growing rumors about Rodrygo leaving the club, following his absence in Real Madrid’s recent Club World Cup game against Mexican side Pachuca. Despite ongoing Rodrygo transfer news linking him with a summer exit, Alonso has made it clear that the Brazilian winger is still an important part of his plans.
On Sunday, Real Madrid defeated Pachuca 3-1 in the Club World Cup, but Rodrygo was left on the bench for the entire match. This decision came as a surprise to many fans, especially since Rodrygo had provided an assist in Madrid’s opening Club World Cup game against Al-Hilal. His absence sparked another round of Rodrygo transfer news, with reports suggesting he may be closer to leaving the Santiago Bernabéu.
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Earlier this year, Rodrygo reportedly told the club that he no longer wanted to play for them. His decision to not feature in El Clásico against Barcelona in May only added fuel to the fire. The 24-year-old winger is said to be frustrated with his current position in the team, as he feels overshadowed by teammates Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham. Toward the end of last season, Rodrygo spent more time on the bench under then-manager Carlo Ancelotti, which has played a major role in the increasing Rodrygo transfer news.
However, things began to look more hopeful for Rodrygo when Xabi Alonso arrived as the new Real Madrid manager. Reports claimed that Rodrygo had impressed Alonso during training, leading some to believe that a summer move was now less likely. Still, the decision to bench him in the most recent match has brought Rodrygo transfer news back into the spotlight.
Alonso addressed the situation after the match, stating that leaving Rodrygo on the bench was purely a “technical decision.” He stressed that Rodrygo is still a valued player within the squad and that he will play an important role throughout the tournament.
“He looks good to me, enthusiastic. The other day was a technical decision,” Alonso said. “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.”
Despite Alonso’s comments, Rodrygo transfer news continues to circulate, especially with reports linking him to Premier League clubs. According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Arsenal is one of the frontrunners in the race to sign Rodrygo. The Gunners are said to have a “real possibility” of securing his signature. Real Madrid has reportedly set an asking price of €90 million for the winger.
However, the latest Rodrygo transfer news also indicates that he may prefer to explore options beyond Arsenal. Rodrygo is reportedly aware of Manchester City’s interest, and he may wait to see how things unfold before making a decision. If he does leave, any move is expected to happen in August rather than July, since he is currently participating in the Club World Cup.
When asked whether the potential signing of Franco Mastantuono, a young star from River Plate, would affect Rodrygo’s future, Alonso gave a diplomatic answer:
“I’m very happy with everyone, and I’m counting on everyone,” Alonso said. “It’s a very demanding season; we’ll have 50 or 60 games. We need a squad with healthy competition. I’m happy.”
Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo is not surprising. The Gunners fell short in the Premier League title race last season, partly due to their lack of attacking firepower. Their top scorer, Kai Havertz, only managed nine goals in the league. Adding a player like Rodrygo could strengthen their front line and provide more creativity and goal-scoring options.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano also commented on the situation, stating that Arsenal “love” Rodrygo but will wait until the player clearly tells Real Madrid he wants to leave. Until then, the Rodrygo transfer news will likely remain speculative.
Rodrygo’s situation is one of the biggest stories in the current football transfer window. With top clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City showing interest, and Real Madrid asking for a high transfer fee, fans around the world are keeping a close eye on the latest Rodrygo transfer news.
For now, Xabi Alonso insists that Rodrygo is going nowhere. But in football, anything can happen—and the summer transfer window is just getting started
