Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Madrid star Rodrygo has been boosted further after the forward was again left out of their starting line-up at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Rodrygo’s future has been a major talking point heading into the tournament, amid reports his performances would help dictate whether he remains at the club this summer.
The winger had appeared destined to leave Madrid after telling the club he never wanted to play for them again before choosing not to play in El Clasico against Barcelona in May.
Rodrygo felt he was behind superstar team-mates Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellinghams in the pecking order and saw his role depleted towards the end of the season, as he frequently was left on the bench under Carlo Ancelotti.
New Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso appeared to offer Rodrygo a route back into the side and gave the 24-year-old a start in their opening Club World Cup match.
The Brazilian provided an assist in Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal in the group stage, where he played 65 minutes.
Rodrygo, however, has since seen his game time limited with Alonso naming him on the bench for the three consecutive matches.
While he came off the bench in the closing stages of their group stage win over RB Salzburg, Rodrygo was an unused substitute against Mexican side Pachuca and Italian giants Juventus on Tuesday.
Real Madrid earned a 1-0 win over Juventus to book a place in the quarter-finals, with Gonzalo Garcia scoring the only goal of the match.
Garcia, 21, has forced his way into the Real Madrid attack at the tournament after Kylian Mbappe’s bout of gastroentiritis.
The Spaniard’s growing role has added to the competition in forward areas, putting further scrutiny on Rodrygo’s position.
Speaking ahead of the win over Juventus, Alonso maintained that Rodrygo has been training well but stressed it remains his decision as to who plays.
‘After the game I try to approach everyone I meet along the way,’ Alonso said. ‘He had a few minutes [against Salzburg] that were important for him and he will be important.
‘In these championships, sometimes those who start are just as important as those who come in. They can have a decisive impact, so each player has to be prepared for whatever comes their way. Everyone is in a good disposition.
‘Rodrygo is training well and I see him in good spirits. Then it’s my decision who plays.’
Real Madrid have reportedly set an asking price of €90m (£77m) for the forward with Arsenal intensely linked.
The Gunners have ‘a real possibility’ of completing a deal, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER.
