Real Madrid confirm eye-watering Rodrygo price as Arsenal 'open talks' for star

Real Madrid have made it clear that they want more than £80million on the table before they consider selling Rodrygo as Arsenal continue to circle for the Brazilian.

The forward has been linked with a move away from the Spanish giants and his involvement has massively declined this summer. Rodrygo, despite coming up with several huge moments in his career, is not viewed on the same level as some of his team-mates.

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jnr are talismans for Real but Rodrygo has seen his minutes drop off. Earlier this week, when Real were humbled 4-0 by PSG in the Club World Cup semi-finals, the Brazilian remained on the bench for the fifth consecutive match.

There is heavy talk surrounding a possible exit, however, Real won't let him go on the cheap with UOL Esporte in Brazil claiming they want offers of around €100m (£86m) before they consider letting Rodrygo leave the Bernabeu.

Rodrygo has stated his preference to play on the left wing: a position currently occupied by Vinicius Jr. Former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti found him a home on the right, but Xabi Alonso has opted against playing him.

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The Real boss was quizzed on his decision to again leave out Rodrygo and said: "The fact that he didn't play again is a game-by-game decision. The way things were going, we needed another player. There haven't been any decisions about the future throughout this entire championship."

Arsenal have been touted as a destination and the Gunners have held preliminary talks with the player’s camp, but they are likely to add Noni Madueke to their squad from Chelsea, which could see them cool their interest in Rodrygo.

Personal terms on a five-year contract are already agreed with the Blues winger, who has slipped further down the pecking order as a result of the transfer activity at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s initial asking price for Madueke is £50m. He moved to Stamford Bridge from PSV in January 2023 but was dropped by Enzo Maresca last season.

Mikel Arteta has already welcomed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea this season whilst Martin Zubimendi is Arsenal's statement signing of the summer so far. Brentford captain Christian Norgaard has also joined whilst the club remain in advanced talks with Sporting Lisbon for the centre forward Viktor Gyokeres.

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