Latest news with #Rodrygo
Metro
a day ago
- Sport
- Metro
Arsenal told £67m transfer target will be sold if he does not 'wake up'
Real Madrid have not ruled out the possibility of selling Rodrygo to Arsenal, according to reports in Spain. The 24-year-old is on Arsenal's shortlist alongside Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke with Mikel Arteta keen to recruit a versatile attacker alongside a new striker this summer. Rodrygo, meanwhile, scored 14 goals and registered 10 assists for Madrid in all competitions last season but came under fire for his inconsistent performances under Carlo Ancelotti. During Madrid's Club World Cup campaign this month, Xabi Alonso has stressed the Brazilian's importance to Madrid. 'He's still important,' Alonso said this week. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. 'He's a special player. I think he'll play an important part at the Club World Cup.' However, Cadena SER's Antonio Romero claims that Madrid will look to sell Rodrygo before the end of the summer transfer window if his form does not improve under Alonso. 'It's an open secret that if Rodrygo doesn't wake up and an offer comes in, he's more out than in,' Romero said. 'The solution lies in his quality, which is a lot, and in his ability to turn games around. 'Nobody wants to get rid of a Rodrygo like the one that appeared two or three seasons ago under Carlo Ancelotti. 'If you have the Rodrygo of last season, melancholic and with little luck in performances and in front of goal, if an offer comes in, he's gone.' It's understood that Madrid will demand a €80 million (£67.5m) transfer fee for Rodrygo. Earlier this month, Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes endorsed his club's push to sign Rodrygo this summer. More Trending News 21 hours ago By Chris Davie During his appearance on the Podpah Podcast, Gabriel was asked if he knows whether Arsenal will sign Rodrygo this summer. 'I don't. No, I don't, not really,' Gabriel replied. 'But I'd like obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He's not at Arsenal… If it depended on me, I've told people already, he's a phenomenon. 'His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Real Madrid's thrashing of RB Salzburg was the first true sign of life under Xabi Alonso, writes AADAM PATEL... but now Juventus lie in wait
Even a severe thunderstorm watch across Philadelphia wasn't going to deter the thousands of Madridistas who travelled from far and wide to watch Real Madrid. Their reward for braving the elements was witnessing the first clear sign of what life will look like under Xabi Alonso, as his side beat RB Salzburg to set up a last-16 clash with Juventus. After a stuttery start to life against Al-Hilal and having played most of the game with ten men against Pachuca, this was a performance of control by Madrid with Vinicius Junior scoring a superb goal and getting an assist for Federico Valverde in the first-half before Gonzalo Garcia got a delightful third, with six minutes to go. Like Miami last Wednesday and Charlotte on Sunday, Philadelphia was a sea of white as Madrid rolled into town. They queued up under the afternoon sun to take pictures by the famous Rocky steps outside the Museum of Art while thousands more tailgated outside the ground. This felt like a spectacle before a ball had even been kicked. Even as the heavens opened close to kick off in this stadium exposed to the elements, the masses sang the Madrid anthem with such emotion that you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in Spain. As the designated away team, Alonso's side played in their navy blue kit but here at the home of the Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, this very much felt like Madrid had moved in for the night. Alonso once again left Rodrygo on the bench - a clear message to the Brazilian, who has been linked with a move away from the club, while Antonio Rudiger started in place of the suspended Raul Asencio, alongside Dean Huijsen and Aurelien Tchouameni in a back three. That meant Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia were operating as wing-backs, often dropping to make it a back five and it was Madrid who dominated the ball in the early stages, with Vinicius Jr denied in the 20th minute by a great save from 18-year-old Christian Zawieschitzky. Thomas Letch's youthful Salzburg side, with nine players in the starting lineup aged 22 or under, grew into the contest as the half went on but were undone five minutes before half-time by a devastating Madrid counter. Trent Alexander-Arnold shares a laugh with his new manager Xabi Alonso at full-time Jude Bellingham's exquisite pass to Vinicius Jr split through Salzburg and this time, the Brazilian showed his class with a wonderful left-footed finish past the outstretched Zawieschitzky. In added time, Madrid doubled their lead as Vinicius Jr turned provider, pouncing on a deflection and finding Valverde with a quality backheel. The Madrid skipper made no mistake from inside the box, driving his strike beyond Zawieschitzky. In fairness, the teenage goalkeeper had no chance and just like against Pachuca, Madrid had struck twice in quick succession. Salzburg pushed after the break, knowing that they were on their way out with Al-Hilal winning against Pachuca in Nashville, but were always kept at arm's length, while Luka Modric's farewell tour continued as Alonso used all five of his substitutions. How fitting it would be for Modric, who has won 28 trophies since joining Madrid in 2012, to cap off his 13-year stay with more silverware. That prospect is very much still alive for the Croatian. Thursday's game saw one of the biggest attendances of the entire Club World Cup And there was still time for Garcia to chip the ball past Zawieschitzky and put the icing on the cake, with his second goal of the tournament. The 21-year-old is making the most of his opportunity up top, until Kylian Mbappe returns. From the brutal heat of Florida and North Carolina to the unrelenting rain in Pennsylvania, Madrid have got the job done in Group H, albeit against weaker opposition. Tougher tests await, not least with Juventus in Miami on Tuesday, followed by a potential quarter-final against Dortmund or Monterrey. But already, Alonso's men are showing signs that they can be a team for all seasons and with the likes of Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga set to return next week, it's fair to say that things are just getting started. For the 64,811 inside the Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night, this was a Madrid display to savour.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly snubs Real Madrid as Rodrygo message sent
Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to a third successive second place finish in the Premier League last season and is after reinforcements as the Gunners chase their first league title since 2004 Mikel Arteta has promised Arsenal fans a "big" summer in the transfer market and the Gunners are working on a number of deals as they look to launch their latest Premier League title bid next season. "It's going to be a big one and we are very excited about it," he said back in March. "The way we planned the five first summers, they were going to be very big and they were going to have different objectives because the turnaround of players and the objective of those windows was going to be different. "But now when you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad but as well we want to increase the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step." Reinforcements in pretty much every position are being targeted, although a new striker is top of their shopping list. There have already been two senior outgoings, with Jorginho and Kieran Tierney leaving on free transfers, and more are expected. Lewis-Skelly signs new deal Myles Lewis-Skelly has committed his future to Arsenal after signing a new long-term deal, despite interest from Real Madrid. "I'm so proud and happy," the 18-year-old said. "I know those words are simple, but I think they sum up how I feel signing for this club. I'm a fan and it's like a dream come true. I've embodied the values of Hale End and come through. "I've still got a lot of years ahead of me, so if I can keep staying humble and being a good person, that's the most important thing to me. I know I've taken a lot of experience from the games about the positive moments, the mistakes that I've made. I'm definitely more ready now for the next season." Rodrygo message Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has urged the Gunners to back Gabriel Martinelli next season instead of signing Real Madrid star Rodrygo. "Rodrygo might want to leave Real Madrid, but that doesn't mean he will want to play for Arsenal," Gallas told Prime Casino. "I think it's important that Arsenal stick with Gabriel Martinelli because we have seen the level he can perform at. "Things are difficult for Rodrygo at the moment but Arsenal might be better off sticking with what they have." Norgaard to join Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is on the verge of joining Arsenal after the midfielder was given the green light to undergo a medical. Mirror Football broke the news of Arsenal's interest in Norgaard last week, with Thomas Partey expected to leave the Emirates on a free transfer like fellow midfielder Jorginho. Arsenal had an initial bid for Norgaard rejected, but have since reached an agreement with Brentford. Arsenal are also poised to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, having agreed a £51m deal for the Spain international.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Xabi Alonso reveals why he dropped Real Madrid star Rodrygo for Club World Cup clash days after Spanish giants 'set price' for key Arsenal target
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has brushed away mounting concerns that Rodrygo will leave the club this summer after the Brazilian was not included in their Club World Cup clash against Pachuca. The Spanish giants beat the Mexican side 3-1 on Sunday but the 24-year-old was left on the bench, despite providing an assist in their opening game against Al-Hilal, amid ongoing speculation that he is nearing a Bernabeu exit. 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. However, a summer move has appeared less certain since Xabi Alonso's arrival, with Rodrygo said to have impressed his new boss in training. But rumours have continued to swirl after Alonso left Rodrygo sitting on the bench in the latest Club World Cup tie, in what he described as a 'technical' decision. And Madrid have reportedly set an asking price of €90m for the forward with Arsenal intensely linked. The Gunners have 'a real possibility' of completing a deal, according to Spanish outlet Cadena SER. However, Alonso has attempted to put an end to speculation, claiming Rodrygo remains 'important'. 'He looks good to me, enthusiastic. The other day was a technical decision,' Madrid's manager said. '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.' Alonso was coy when asked if signing teenage star Franco Mastantuono from River Plate would impact Rodrygo's future. 'I'm very happy with everyone, and I'm counting on everyone,' he said. 'It's a very demanding season; we'll have 50 or 60 games. We need a squad with healthy competition. I'm happy.' If he were to leave Los Blancos, he reportedly wants to 'explore other options' than the Gunners because he is aware of interest from Manchester City. Any move would likely take place in August rather than July, with the former Santos star currently involved in the Club World Cup. Fabrizio Romano previously reported Arsenal 'love' Rodrygo but will not be in a position to bid for him until he informs Real of his desire to leave. A lack of firepower in attack, namely at centre forward, derailed Arsenal's title bid last season, with Kai Havertz the club's highest scorer in the Premier League with just nine goals.
Metro
2 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Anthony Gordon vs Rodrygo: Which winger should Arsenal sign this summer?
Signing a new centre forward is Arsenal's most urgent piece of business this summer. But bringing in another outstanding winger is something on Mikel Arteta's mind as he plots another Premier League title challenge next season. Bukayo Saka's relentless form over the last five seasons has perhaps masked the need for further reinforcements in wide areas. The England international missed three months of action last term after he was forced to undergo hamstring surgery with the visible scarring left on his right leg perhaps a reminder that greater care must be taken with the 23-year-old going forward. Over on the left, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have shared duties. With neither quite doing enough to make the position their own over the course of a season, there is room for someone else to come in. Injuries battered the squad last season; adding to the group is essential. Whichever wide man does come in, playing on the left while also offering some respite for Saka on the right will be a requirement. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Nico Williams is admired in north London but the Spain international is now on the brink of leaving Athletic Club for Barcelona. Chelsea's Noni Madueke has emerged as another option – perhaps not a popular one among supporters looking for an A-list arrival. Rodrygo would certainly fit that billing. The Real Madrid star is currently with the Los Blancos squad at the Club World Cup and despite Xabi Alonso's underlining his intention to keep him in the Spanish capital, his future is still not resolved. Arsenal are prepared to be patient with the 24-year-old who has racked up over 250 appearances at the Santiago Bernabeu. A reported price tag of £76millon seems fair in the current market and one the Gunners could surely afford. Often the forgotten man among the leading cast of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo could find a new home in north London. And as Wesley Sneijer, Arjen Robben and Mesut Ozil have demonstrated over the years, there is life after Real if things do not go to plan. The majority of Rodrygo's football last season for Real came on the right – the role Saka occupies at the Emirates. But it is on the left where he feels most at home. Six of his 14 goals this season (along with six assists) were scored when starting from the left during the 2024-25 campaign – with that haul coming in just 12 appearances in that position. The presence of countryman Vinicius Jr seldom allows for it but when given the chance, Rodrygo has been at his best in a natural role on the left. But his versatility will no doubt appeal to Arteta having also taken up a role through the middle under Carlo Ancelotti almost exclusively during the 2023-24 campaign. Cutting in from the left and unleashing shots with his favoured right foot is one of his most devastating tools. But as he demonstrated against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in March, he is equally lethal coming in from the right and shooting on his left. While not prolific, Rodrygo's output has been consistent. A haul of 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season – six and five in La Liga – is a slightly smaller return than a career-best contribution of 19 goals and 11 assists from the 2022-23 campaign. While Rodrygo would perhaps represent the more glamorous piece of business, Anthony Gordon could be the more progressive solution. The Brazilian is at his devastating best cutting inside and possesses the slick, short-range passing needed to break down teams parked in front of the Gunners. But stylistically, Gordon may offer something Arsenal don't have. The England international has the searing pace and intelligent overlapping runs that are missing on that side of the pitch for Arsenal and could offer a more direct approach. If it is a more traditional wide option Arteta seeks, Gordon numbers suggest he may be the option. His 131 attempted crosses compared to Rodrygo's 81 demonstrate a greater willingness to get the ball into the box. In progressive carries of the ball, he also leads the way with 121 to Rodrygo's 113 over the course of their respective league campaigns last season. Their headline stats are staggeringly similar. In league games last season, both players scored six and created five with Gordon playing four more games. Rodrygo created three more chances for his teammates than the former Everton star (54 and 51 respectively) with shots on goal also a close run comparison with Gordon attempting 59 to the Brazil international's 54. At 24, both men are entering their prime years. With Rodrygo valued at £76m, it remains to be seen how much it would cost to prise Gordon away from St James' Park. Arsenal will hope both players remain viable targets in the coming weeks. Rodrygo's situation in Spain appears uncertain – despite Alonso publicly confirming his admiration for the winger, there are suggestions those assurances have still not been fully delivered behind the scenes. Any movement will likely now wait until after Real's Club World Cup campaign in the United States. With Newcastle's PSR [profit and sustainability rules] situation looking healthier, the Magpies are under no pressure to sell this summer. Only eight points separated them and Arsenal once all was said and done last season and their return to the Champions League means Eddie Howe's side may argue they are in a position to offer Gordon everything Arsenal can next season. More Trending Which striker lands in north London could also be a factor. Deals for Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are being explored with hope one will arrive to lead what could be a new-look attack next season. Ensuring Rodrygo or Gordon are part of it will be just as vital. MORE: Jamie Carragher gets his wish as Liverpool confirm £40m signing MORE: Ex-Man Utd star tells £64m target to complete Saudi transfer MORE: Pro footballer knocks out woman with a chair during poolside brawl at Ibiza hotel
