The Club World Cup has been a disaster for Arsenal target Rodrygo as Xabi Alonso continues to assess his options.
Rodrygo is Mikel Arteta’s dream signing to bolster the Gunners’ left-wing options this summer.
There was hope from the Brazilian’s side of things that newly-appointed Alonso would get him ticking again after a difficult end to the 2024/25 campaign.
Instead, the Club World Cup has been a wake-up call for Rodrygo, whose game time has been limited by the Spaniard, something that those in North London are taking note of.
Brazil’s media react to Rodrygo’s Arsenal transfer opportunity
Rodrygo’s family are unhappy with how the player is being snubbed at Madrid, with things not getting any better for the 24-year-old in the knockout stage of the summer tournament.
The winger is one of several Arsenal targets at the Club World Cup; however, the Gunners would be lucky to see a glimpse of the forward in action as it stands.
During Real Madrid’s round of 16 win over Juventus, Rodrygo was an unused substitute, with Alonso clearly favouring a starting XI without the former Santos starlet included.
Fans of the Brazil international’s former club have caught onto what is happening to the Arsenal target at Madrid, as Brazilian outlet BolaVIP reported following the round of 16.
In a piece titled ‘Rodrygo loses space at Real Madrid and goes through a difficult time in his career’, BolaVIP mentioned Arsenal’s interest.
“There is much speculation that he could change clubs in the July transfer window and Arsenal are said to be the most interested,” journalist Matheus Vieira Ramos wrote.
The report also included reaction from supporters of Santos, who have called on Rodrygo to accept that it’s time to ‘breathe new air’.
Taking reaction from Santos fans on social media, one said, “Rodrygo has to leave, he’s had enough of Real Madrid. He has to be a protagonist somewhere else.”
Another echoed the winger’s potential, calling on him not to settle for less at Madrid.
“He is the one who is expected to get the number 10 of Pele, of Neymar. He cannot be a reserve, he cannot go through an important game without even getting on the field.”
Rodrygo would be a protagonist at Arsenal, with Arteta already having clear plans for the forward to play on his favoured left side and be a starter.
Xabi Alonso has made his stance on Rodrygo clear
Alonso insisted Rodrygo was happy upon returning to training, but the player’s thoughts are surely different now.
Since the Club World Cup kicked off, the Brazilian has played only 88 minutes in four games, remaining unused on the bench twice.
The wide player will be one to watch once the tournament has ended, as it’s unclear how Rodrygo feels about being continually snubbed by his new manager.
Arsenal will keep a close eye on the situation as Andrea Berta continues to assess his options, with the 24-year-old’s frustration encouraging for the North Londoners.
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