Xabi Alonso makes final decision on unhappy Real Madrid star's future as Arsenal man urges club to make huge summer move

An Arsenal player has praised an out-of-favour Real Madrid star who has been linked with a move to North London this summer.

Earlier this week, former Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold was unveiled as a Real Madrid player, and he is just one of several new players who are vying for a starting spot in Xabi Alonso’s side.

Dean Huijsen has also signed from Bournemouth for a reported £50m, meanwhile, Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez and Jesus Vallejo will see their contracts expire at the end of June.

Of course, Alonso, 43, will have Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior at his disposal next season, but another attacker’s future is still uncertain.

Rodrygo, 24, has been linked with a potential move away from Los Blancos after falling out of favour with Carlo Ancelotti towards the latter part of the 2024/25 campaign.

Xabi Alonso is Real Madrid head coach (Credit:Getty)

Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that the player is of interest to Arsenal but “but a deal… would present some financial challenges”.

The 24-year-old, who is contracted to Real until the summer of 2028, could cost nearly £85m according to Football Insider.

Arsenal centre-back and Rodrygo’s Brazil teammate, Gabriel, was asked about the player when he appeared on Podpah earlier this week.

Gabriel said: “I don't know [if Rodrygo will join Arsenal]. But I'd like it obviously. He's a phenomenon.

“I've told people already, he's a phenomenon! If it was up to me, of course!”

Rodrygo is linked with Arsenal (Credit:Getty)

And this is the not the first time a fellow professional has given Rodrygo high praise, as Bellingham even named him as Madrid’s most talented player back in February.

“Rodrygo, so underrated, you know?” Bellingham said when speaking to CBS Sports Golazo.

“For me, he’s probably the most talented and gifted player in the squad.

“I think the things he can do with the football… We’ll be messing around, and he’ll flick the ball up somehow, and you’re like: 'How’d he do that?' I’m trying to do that.

"I’m twisting my ankles and everything like that. It’s a pleasure to play with both of them.

“You put them in positions where they can affect the games, and they will win it for you.”

However, a move to Arsenal may not be on the cards after all, with UOL claiming that Alonso has informed Real Madrid’s hierarchy that he’d like the winger to stay at the club.