Arsenal are ready to play the long game for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, whose future hangs in the balance. Rodrygo, 24, has been linked with a lucrative move to the Gunners, who want to sign a new winger during the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian lost his place in Real's starting line-up towards the end of last season under former manager Carlo Ancelotti. Now that Xabi Alonso is in charge, Rodrygo finds himself as a crossroads.
Having featured in their ongoing Club World Cup campaign, the former Santos wonderkid can either stay and fight for his place or ask to leave. Rodrygo knows how difficult minutes are to come by at the Bernabeu, with only one space available in the forward line after Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
The 24-year-old's father and agent, Eric Goes, has also been muddying the waters; complaining at his son's lack of game-time which has left Madrid chiefs unimpressed. Rodrygo's future therefore remains shrouded in uncertainty.
According to the Athletic, Arsenal are prepared to wait for his final decision and whether Real want to sell him. The Gunners believe that they can offer him a sporting project which suits him and the chance to play in his favoured left-wing position, having mostly played on the right since joining Madrid in 2019.
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But it's a dangerous game, as the Gunners could be left high and dry if Rodrygo rejects them and they don't have a backup plan. Mindful of being stung, Arsenal have looked at alternatives.
In recent months, the Gunners have discussed their chances of signing Newcastle star Anthony Gordon and Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams. It's unlikely that either player would join Arsenal this summer, though, with Gordon having signed a new long-term contract with Newcastle and Williams recently agreeing personal terms with Barcelona.
Do you agree with Arsenal's stance on Rodrygo? Have your say in the comments section.
Rodrygo is therefore the most tangible option of the three, although Alonso wants to keep him. "He's a Madrid player and I will have a conversation with everyone because we need to do so," the Madrid boss said last month. "We'll get to know each other. He's a spectacular player and we need him."
Alonso then told reporters ahead of the Club World Cup: "I know what happened, that the end of the season was not easy for him. He took some time that was good for him, to reset his head. We talked from day one and I see him looking forward to enjoying himself with his quality."
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