Arsenal get blunt Rodrygo transfer response as latest Real Madrid snub explained

Amid ongoing reported Arsenal transfer interest, Rodrygo was not left out of Real Madrid's starting XI for the fifth consecutive game because of any decision made over his future, insists manager Xabi Alonso.

With Mikel Arteta actively looking for attacking reinforcements, his club have found themselves tied to an ongoing situation of uncertainty at Los Blancos. Winger Rodrygo has been with the club since age 17, featuring in some of their prominent successes in Spain and Europe over the past decade, but this year has found himself pushed down the pecking order.

As new head coach Alonso entered for the Club World Cup, it was suggested the 24-year-old would be given a fresh opportunity to reclaim his spot in an XI which also tries to fit the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

In reality, Rodrygo started Real's group stage opener last month, then has not done so again in any of their five matches since. In Wednesday night's semi-final the player did not even emerge from the subs bench, as his side were picked apart 4-0 by Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain.

"I didn't play Rodrygo for a technical decision," Alonso reasoned afterwards. "We thought we would be better off with other players.

"It's not about his future," he insisted against those claims.

Arsenal have now kickstarted their summer spending in July, covering off gaps in the goalkeeping department and midfield with the captures of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi respectively. Next on the hit list is Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard to truly set things right in the middle.

Now, all focus is on the attacking reinforcements to - potentially - help Arteta's side rise from Premier League runners-up to champions, as the club are locked in negotiations with Sporting CP over striker Viktor Gyokeres.

There is then great intrigue over the wingers the club could target. Talks have also started with Chelsea about signing Noni Madueke, football.london understands, as Rodrygo's name still remains part of the discussion.

From the outside looking in, the Gunners may see the Brazil international's scenario develop quickly now that his team have finished playing in the United States. Fabrizio Romano adds that the player's camp will sit down, along with Real chiefs, next week to discuss whether he stays or leaves this summer.

It's said the decision will be up to Rodrygo himself and his club will respect whichever option he chooses.

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