Arsenal learn Rodrygo's mindset right now as Xabi Alonso reveals talk with £70m star

While Rodrygo is very much on Arsenal's radar, Real Madridboss Xabi Alonso has asserted that the 24-year-old's attention remains firmly on his duties for the Santiago Bernabeu outfit.

The Brazilian's future in Madrid was cast into doubt last season as he slipped down the ranks under Carlo Ancelotti. No longer a regular starter due to the formidable attacking trio of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappeand Jude Bellingham, it seemed likely that Rodrygo would seek pastures new after six years with Los Blancos, having joined the club as an 18-year-old in 2019.

Arsenal emerged as the front-runners to secure his services, aligning with Mikel Arteta's ambition to bolster his attacking arsenal for the 2025/26 campaign.

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However, it's believed that thePremier Leagueoutfit will need to part with upwards of £70million to snag the winger, who is also on the radar of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain.

The speculation surrounding Rodrygo's future has only intensified during the FIFA Club World Cup, where he's played a peripheral role in Madrid's journey to the quarter-finals. After clocking up 65 minutes in Madrid's opener against Al-Hilal, he's seen just 23 minutes of game time and remained benched against Pachuca and Juventus.

Despite his limited pitch presence, Alonso disclosed in his pre-match presser that his winger is fully committed to making a positive contribution should he be called upon in their quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

The manager insisted: "I'm sure Rodrygo can return to his best form. I spoke with him; he's positive, eager, and ready when needed."

The Mirror reports how this echoes Alonso's previous remarks highlighting Rodrygo's value within the squad following their narrow 1-0 victory over Juventus just last week.

"After the game I try to approach everyone I meet along the way," he commented. "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."

Following the end of last season, Arteta promised supporters a bustling summer break, stating to Sky Sports: "It's going to be a very exciting summer. "First of all, reviewing what we have done. Finding ways to increase the level of the team. Finding big margins where we can still develop our game model and our players.

"Then putting those plans together, playing the pre-season. And then if we don't have enough from that, then it's about what do we need to recruit now to make the difference."