Xabi Alonso drops Rodrygo to Arsenal transfer hint in first Real Madrid press conference, ‘I will talk…’

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Arsenal’s potential move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo could hinge on Xabi Alonso and how the new head coach views the star.

It comes as the Gunners have been looking to bolster their forward ranks over the coming summer, with Mikel Arteta needing to find some more firepower.

Over the past season, Arsenal have found it difficult to score goals, leading to Andrea Berta shortlisting some potential strikers and wingers.

Among those, links with a transfer for Rodrygo have emerged, with the Real Madrid star seeming set for an exit.

With Xabi Alonso recently taking charge of the side, that could all change.

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Xabi Alonso claims he will have talks with Rodrygo before any transfer activity

Arsenal’s transfer interest in Rodrygo is clear, with the side looking to add a versatile star to the forward ranks.

The Brazilian looks set to leave Real Madrid this summer, though that could all change in the coming weeks.

That’s down to the arrival of Xabi Alonso, who takes over from Carlo Ancelotti after his exit, with the head coach taking charge of the team from this summer.

The Spaniard could offer some guarantees to Rodrygo, which may well stop a transfer from happening altogether.

Speaking in his first Real Madrid press conference, Alonso discussed the future of the 24-year-old, stating: “Rodrygo? He’s a fantastic player, and we will need him. I will talk to him soon.”

It certainly suggests a stay could be on the cards, dealing a blow to Arsenal in the process, though the outcome of those talks could change everything.

If the player still decides to leave, then the Gunners may well have an opportunity in the market, but it all depends on the next few weeks.

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What is delaying Rodrygo’s transfer to Arsenal?

While Rodrygo’s future at Real Madrid isn’t set in stone, there are problems over a transfer from an Arsenal perspective.

In early talks with the star, Florian Plettenberg claims there has been stalling over the desired wages the winger wants.

That is despite him being a “dream” signing for Arsenal and Berta in the summer transfer window.

It remains to be seen whether a deal can be thrashed out, though the Club World Cup could delay a transfer for Rodrygo too.