Chelsea have secret weapon to Rodrygo transfer breakthrough as Arsenal fund huge Real Madrid bid

Arsenal appear to have conceded ground to Chelsea in the race to sign Rodrygo. The Real Madrid winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, having struggled to force himself into Xabi Alonso's side.

Rodrygo currently faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu as he awaits assurances about his game time. Upon the former Liverpool midfielder's unveiling as the new Los Blancos manager, he ruled out the Brazil international's departure.

Despite claiming that Rodrygo was in his plans, Alonso only gave him 92 minutes to impress at the Club World Cup. Gonzalo Garcia enjoyed a brilliant campaign in the United States, taking significant minutes from the 24-year-old.

Brahim Diaz was often preferred off the bench, while Kylian Mbappe was quickly thrown back into the starting lineup following his return from illness. football.london understands that Arsenal are interested in Rodrygo, but any move would be complicated at the moment.

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The Gunners' reluctance to launch a bid for the Real Madrid star has left the door wide open for other teams, like Chelsea, to swoop in. football.london understands that Arsenal have also recently agreed to sign Noni Madueke for £52m, including add-ons.

As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not this could impact the north Londoners' pursuit of Rodrygo. But, if a deal for the England international goes through, Arsenal will give Chelsea an eye-watering sum, which could be used later down the line to fund a marquee signing.

The west Londoners could sweeten a potential bid by offering Rodrygo his favourite shirt number. If Madueke were to leave the Blues, the 11 jersey, which the Brazilian currently wears for Los Blancos, will suddenly become available.

Speaking to reporters following a 1-0 win over Juventus earlier this month, Alonso provided an update on Rodrygo's situation. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss said: "After the game I try to approach everyone I meet along the way.

"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."

A few days later, Alonso suggested that Rodrygo hasn't been performing to the level that he expects. The Spaniard said: "I’m sure Rodrygo can return to his best form. I spoke with him; he's positive, eager, and ready when needed."

Then, after Real Madrid crashed out of the Club World Cup, Alonso claimed it was a tactical decision to leave Rodrygo on the bench. He said: "The fact that he didn't play again is a game-by-game decision.

"The way things were going, we needed another player. There haven't been any decisions about the future throughout this entire championship."

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