Arsenal receive five-word Rodrygo response to Real Madrid snub as Xabi Alonso targets transfer

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso may have just hinted at his true Rodrygo feelings amid transfer links to Arsenal. The Brazilian has been strongly linked with a move to Emirates Stadium and those could now ramp up as dream target Nico Williams no longer appears to be an option.

Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of the Spaniard and the Gunners have been long-term admirers but the Athletic Club star is closing in on a move to Barcelona.

Alongside wanting a new winger, Arsenal hope to sign a striker and defender in addition to the expected arrivals of Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spanish duo will likely see their respective moves confirmed in July despite most of the details already sorted.

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Once those have been confirmed, attention can fully turn onto signings further forward. A decision still needs to be made on whether to pursue Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko for the striker spot but it looks as though Rodrygo is the No.1 pick out wide.

The 24-year-old barely featured during Madrid's final few games of the domestic season but was named in Alonso's first starting XI as Real boss. He played just over an hour of the 1-1 Club World Cup draw against Al Hilal with an assist picked up.

Ahead of their second group stage clash, Alonso was questioned on Rodrygo's future, where he appeared to make it clear he wants him to stay.

"I know what had happened," Alonso admitted in a press conference last week. "The end of the season wasn't easy for him [Rodrygo].

"He took some time to reset. We've talked since day one, and I see him eager to contribute on the field and enjoy himself."

However, just over 24 hours later, Rodrygo remained an unused substitute as 10-man Madrid beat Pachuca 3-1. A very early dismissal for Raul Asencio may have impacted his thinking, but Madrid were in control for much of the game, and a post from Relevo journalist Rodra P after full-time further hints he could be leaving.

He wrote on X: "0 minutos Rodrygo. Y no tiene ninguna molestia" which translates to, "0 minutes Rodrygo. And he has no discomfort/injury".

Marcaadded that he did not even warm up during the second half and that Arda Guler's impact, with the 20-year-old starting and scoring, alongside the impending arrival of Franco Mastantuono, opened the Rodrygo case again.

It has previously been reported in Spain that a big sale may be required to balance their financial books, but it actually looks as though the funds taken in from that possible exit will go onto a signing wanted by Alonso.

The Spaniard made it clear to Real president Florentino Perez that he would like a new midfielder, but that request was denied. If Rodrygo departs, though, with £77million (€90m) as his asking price, those funds will go straight to signing a midfielder.