Madrid loosens grip... Arsenal ready for shock 'untapped' talent?

Arsenal’s hopes of landing Rodrygo Goes have received a timely boost, with Real Madrid now actively exploring an exit route for the Brazilian forward.

Following Los Blancos’ humiliating 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final, manager Xabi Alonso is said to have made his stance clear on several underperforming players.

According to MARCA, the club is no longer counting on Rodrygo, who did not feature at all in the loss and has fallen further down the pecking order.

Despite starting only 22 league games last season, Rodrygo still managed six goals and five assists, but his influence has waned since the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.

His marginal role under Alonso — just 92 minutes played at the Club World Cup — has only intensified speculation around his future.

The 24-year-old’s omission against PSG was the latest sign of a growing disconnect between the player and the new coaching regime.

While Alonso publicly downplayed the situation, saying his exclusion was a “tactical decision”, sources close to the club insist that Madrid are now open to offers.

That change in position has reportedly put Arsenal on red alert. The Gunners have kept close tabs on Rodrygo’s situation for months and view him as a dynamic, versatile option for their frontline.

Mikel Arteta is thought to be a long-time admirer of the former Santos winger, who can play across the front three.

Arsenal’s summer has already seen deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, but a wide forward remains a key area of focus.

The club has also pursued Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, though both negotiations have proven complicated.

While Arsenal are not expected to formalise their interest in Rodrygo until later in the window, the opportunity to sign a player of his pedigree — now deemed surplus to requirements at Madrid — is expected to tempt the club into action.

Rodrygo’s exit would mark the end of a five-year spell at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he has contributed to two La Liga titles, a Champions League crown.

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