Rodrygo's reaction to brutal Real Madrid snub speaks volumes amid Arsenal transfer links

Rodrygo did not appear to be best pleased when Xabi Alonso brought on Gonzalo Garcia for Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Osasuna. The 24-year-old winger, who was linked with a move to Arsenal earlier this summer, was an unused substitute in Los Blancos' opening clash of the new La Liga season on Tuesday night.

The Real Madrid boss went out of his way to make just four out of a possible five changes during the game on Tuesday night. Alonso began by replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brahim Diaz with Dani Carvajal and Franco Mastantuono midway through the second half.

With about a quarter-of-an-hour or so left on the clock, the former Liverpool midfielder brought on Garcia and took off Vinicius Jr. As the 21-year-old striker stepped on the field, the television cameras panned to Rodrygo on the sidelines.

The Brazil international looked rather unimpressed as he stopped his warm-up to watch the substitution; his head was down, and he looked disappointed. The television cameras then panned to Endrick in the stands.

Rodrygo's fellow countryman was covering his mouth with his hand while speaking to somebody to his left. Once Endrick noticed he was being filmed, he touched his nose and moved his hand down.

In stoppage time, Alonso snubbed Rodrygo again, bringing on Dani Ceballos for Arda Guler. The television cameras panned to the Brazilian, who was sitting on the bench, blowing a bubble with his gum. Speaking to reporters at the Santiago Bernabeu after the game, the Spaniard explained why he overlooked the Arsenal target.

As quoted by the club website, Alonso said: "Nothing's happening. The Club World Cup was a different context because of the competition. Today is just a game; we can put the rest behind us.

"What counts is this season, and of course, I'm counting on Rodrygo. It's just a game; we shouldn't read too far into the future. If he gets those minutes in three months, I'll be able to give you a more certain answer. Today was a matter of circumstances during the game and my decisions."

On Mastantuono, who Alonso preferred off the bench to Rodrygo, the Real Madrid boss said: "I already saw that he could contribute, and he's had some good minutes. He hasn't been able to train with us, but he's been preparing.

"He was really looking forward to it, and sometimes the emotional aspect outweighs the hard work. He's had a good impact, and it's good news that he's made his debut."

At the pre-match press conference, Alonso insisted that Rodrygo is part of his plans. The Spaniard said: "There are always rumours during summer, but he looks good to me, he's part of my plans.

"I want every one of the players here to be feeling part of the team, doing their bit, and performing at 100%. That's all I'm concerned with right now."

On the competition for places, Alonso added: "I know that competition is fantastic, and I love having two players who can play in every position, guys who want to show why they deserve their place.

"Then it's down to me to make the choice. Sometimes, I'll have to share out the minutes, but I think there are lots of positions that are very well stocked."

Earlier this summer, football.london understood that Arsenal were interested in signing Rodrygo, but any move would have been complicated.

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