Arsenal and Tottenham are said to have been ‘alerted’ to the possible availability of a possible target.
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Arsenal and Tottenham are said to have been ‘alerted’ to the possibility of a player coming on the market in the near future. Both clubs were linked with the same player during the summer transfer market, but the player never became available.
That player is Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who was once a Real Madrid undroppable, playing on the other side to Vinicius Jr and playing a key part in two Champions League titles.
But Xabi Alonso has seen things differently to his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, and Rodrygo has started just two of his first nine La Liga appearances of the season. Alonso has had little reason to change things, with Los Blancos currently top of La Liga, but that won’t give Rodrygo reason to feel any more positive.
Reduced appearances this season could see Rodrygo demand a move as he looks to become a key player elsewhere, and according to Graeme Bailey, a move could well be in the offing.
He told GiveMeSport: “Rodrygo’s situation has not improved this season. As we reported in the summer, Xabi Alonso always planned on making Arda Guler one of his key figures, and that has played out as expected.
“With teen starlet Franco Mastantuono also getting regular game time, there is little sign of how Rodrygo can find a route back into the lineup. I am told that Rodrygo is again considering his options, and one possibility is a switch to the Premier League, which could become a real option in January. He is certainly one to watch as we approach the New Year.”
The same outlet claims both Arsenal and Tottenham have been ‘alerted’ to the possibility of Rodrygo becoming available in the new year, with intermediaries said to have put the word out.
The tricky part for Real Madrid is that, while Rodrygo is not currently a key starter, he is one of their first go-to players when Vinicius and Franco Mastantuono need a break or when one of the two players are not available.
That means the Brazilian is still seen as an important player, and Alonso will see Rodrygo as a starter if one of his first-choice wingers gets injured. From that point of view, selling Rodrygo, particularly during the season. That could make a summer move more likely, and with a contract in place until 2028, the Spanish giants can take a firm approach to negotiations.
In terms of the Arsenal and Tottenham’s possible interest, the Gunners are not likely to be looking for any expensive reinforcements until January due to the money spent in the summer. Arsenal added strength out wide with Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze can also play there.
Tottenham added Mohamed Kudus, but they could certainly fit in a high-quality winger depending on how much they are willing to spend to get one. The summer is likely to suit Spurs better, given the likely increased winter price and the recent changes at the top at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.