Arsenal set Rodrygo transfer condition as dream details emerge after Xabi Alonso admission

Rodrygo has to tell Real Madrid he 'wants to leave' for a move to Arsenal to be possible, it has been claimed.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer. Reports have claimed that the Brazilian is 'high' on the Gunners' summer shortlist as the club attempt to strengthen their attack.

After arriving in a £39.3million deal from Santos in June 2018, Rodrygo has spent the last seven years at Real Madrid, winning 13 major honours, including the Champions League twice and La Liga on three occasions. In that period, he has made 269 appearances, netting 68 goals and adding 51 assists.

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However, Rodrygo was understood to have been 'frustrated' under former head coach Carlo Ancelotti because he was not playing in his preferred role, which is thought to be on the left-hand side of the attack. Kylian Mbappe's switch from Paris Saint-Germain and Vinicius Jr's presence impacted Rodrygo.

But with Ancelotti becoming the new Brazil manager and Alonso arriving as his replacement, Rodrygo's situation has altered. Alonso has reiterated that Rodrygo is part of his plans and would like to keep him amid interest elsewhere, having informed the club's board that he is 'relying' on the ex-Santos man next season.

Rodrygo, meanwhile, could still decide to leave Real Madrid after playing just 88 minutes during their three Club World Cup group matches. He started the opener against Al-Hilal but was an unused substitute against Pachuca in their second outing. Rodrygo came on for the final 23 minutes against Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday, as Los Blancos booked their place in the last 16 of the competition.

Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, there is still hope in a deal for Rodrygo to Arsenal. He said on his Here We Go podcast: "Rodrygo is one of the dreams for Arsenal.

"In order to make the deal happen, Rodrygo needs to go and tell Real Madrid, 'I want to leave'. He has the power to decide. If he asks to be sold, Arsenal will be in the conversation, for sure."

Speaking after Rodrygo didn't feature against Pachuca last week, Alonso said: "He [Rodrygo] looks good to me, enthusiastic. The other day was a technical decision. He remains important and we will need him in the Club World Cup. He is a special player and he will have a significant role."

Arsenal also remain interested in Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, football.london understands, as they assess many attacking options during summer transfer window.

Eze, who is set to turn 27 on Sunday, enjoyed a fine second-half of the season with Crystal Palace. In fact, the England international netted NINE goals and provided three assists in 13 appearances after the March international break as the Eagles won the FA Cup and ended their Premier League campaign on a high.