The future of Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo could become a lot clearer with Xabi Alonso’s side set to announce the arrival of River Plate starlet Franco Mastantuono. The La Liga giants look likely to win the race to sign the 17-year-old following speculation over his future.
In recent months, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Madrid have been reported as possible destinations for the wonderkid. However, reports now suggest that the Spanish capital looks the most likely destination.
Although, Rodrygo will get a chance to put himself in Alonso’s plans in the next month as they embark on their Club World Cup campaign in the United States.
The 24-year-old was one of the first players to join the squad upon their return to the squad after a complicated end to the season plunged his future into uncertainty.
The Spanish club failed to land Mastantuono in time to register him for the competition in North America and as a result, he will get a final hurrah at River.
But reports suggest that despite his tender age, Alonso plans to make the 17-year-old an immediate starter and the former Liverpool midfielder pushed him to sign immediately, as opposed to January, in order to make him their primary right-winger.
It comes during an uncertain period for Rodrygo, who was a regular for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last year but failed to cement a starting berth.
The 24-year-old continues to be heavily linked with a move to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to add reinforcements to his attacking department.
The Brazilian already faces competition from the likes of Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, while there were changes to the squad throughout the campaign that allowed the likes of Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz opportunities in his place.
The Athletic have previously reported that Arsenal are particularly interested in signing the Brazilian, who has admirers among Arteta’s coaching staff.
The Gunners are said to be keeping tabs on him, but Rodrygo has a queue of possible suitors.
Arsenal are said to have approached the winger, like many Premier League clubs, through intermediaries over his signature.
Reports continue to emerge surrounding Rodrygo over his involvement in Alonso’s first season, which has already seen the likes of Premier League exports Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen join.
Speaking at the end of May, Alonso said: “I haven’t had a conversation with him yet, but Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player.
“I will speak with all the Real Madrid players.
“Because they deserve that conversation, because we need it, because we have to get to know each other.
“Rodrygo is a spectacular player; I’m not going to discover that for myself. And we will need him.”
