Is fierce competition at a top club leading to a major Arsenal signing?

Arsenal have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Rodrygo, as the Real Madrid winger grows increasingly unsettled under Xabi Alonso.

The Brazilian played 88 minutes across Real Madrid’s three Club World Cup group-stage matches, starting against Al-Hilal, unused against Pachuca, and appearing as a substitute against RB Salzburg.

Sources close to the 24-year-old were left frustrated by his reduced involvement, and his future at the Bernabeu is now under serious consideration.

The arrival of Kylian Mbappe and the emergence of Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono have only complicated Rodrygo’s standing in the squad, with guaranteed starts now unlikely on either wing.

According to reports in Spain, a summer exit is now considered probable, with Rodrygo expected to consult his family and agent over the best move for his career.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a known admirer and views Rodrygo as a potential game-changer on the left flank.

Arteta is targeting a marquee forward this summer, but also wants an elite wide player to complement Bukayo Saka and ease the club’s over-reliance on the England international.

Rodrygo, who contributed 24 goals and assists last season, is notably more effective from the left — a position currently occupied by Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard at Arsenal.

Unlike Vinicius Junior at Madrid, neither Arsenal winger is seen as untouchable, and Rodrygo would likely walk into the starting XI at the Emirates.

Rodrygo completed 90 percent of his passes, averaged 1.6 successful dribbles, and won almost four ground duels per game in La Liga last season. He also missed just one big chance across the campaign.

Real Madrid are reportedly willing to sell him for around £77 million if the player pushes for a move. Arsenal could structure a long-term payment plan to facilitate the deal.

Rodrygo is currently under contract until 2028 and earns over £200,000 per week, but would likely demand an increase to join Arsenal.

With Nico Williams now leaning towards a move to Barcelona, Arsenal’s focus may fully shift to Rodrygo, with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze also under consideration.

The North Londoners still intend to prioritise a new number nine — with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres top of the list — but a swoop for Rodrygo could add world-class flair to an already potent attack.

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