Arsenal can sign perfect £70m Benjamin Sesko teammate with statement transfer after new decision

Arsenal might have been given a huge boost to their hopes of signing Rodrygo. The Real Madrid forward continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his frontline.

Rdorygo appeared to face an uncertain at the Santiago Bernabeu until Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout. Upon the former Liverpool midfielder's unveiling as the new Los Blancos boss, he essentially ruled out the Brazil international's departure.

Without delving into the specifics of preliminary conversations, Alonso made it clear that Rodrygo remains central to his plans. However, since touching down in the United States for the Club World Cup, the Gunners target hasn't been involved as much as he would've liked.

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Rodrygo played a key role in the Spanish giants' 1-1 draw with Al Hilal, providing the assist for Gonzalo García's opener. Alonso later replaced the Brazilian with Brahim Diaz on the hour mark.

Despite making a good first impression on his new manager, Rodrygo was dropped for Real Madrid's following clash against Pachuca. While the likes of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde kept their places in the starting lineup, he was left out as Los Blancos walked away 3-1 victors.

Rodrygo was an unused substitute. Alonso made five changes during the match; he brought on Diaz for Garcia at half-time before swapping Arda Guler and Bellingham for Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos after an hour.

Then, towards the end of the game, Alonso took off Trent Alexander-Arnold and Vinicius for Antonio Rudiger and Víctor Muñoz. The Real Madrid boss overlooked Rodrygo several times on Sunday night, casting fresh doubt over his future.

His omission could be the green light that Arteta has been waiting for in his quest for a stronger frontline. According to the Mirror, Los Blancos may be willing to allow Rodrygo to leave this summer if they receive an offer in excess of £70m.

The report claims that the Brazilian is on Arsenal's radar as an ambitious target, and there's a belief at the Emirates Stadium that Real Madrid could be willing to do business. It's said that the Gunners know Los Blancos may soften their stance as the transfer window progresses.

Rodrygo, who sees his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expire in June 2028, featured 30 times in La Liga this season, scoring six goals and providing six assists. He was once an important player for Real Madrid, but now he often plays second fiddle to Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Arsenal's clash against Southampton last month, Arteta was asked about the Rodrygo links. The Spaniard said: "I wouldn’t like to name a player.

"But the biggest thing is that, and using the word pride, we have brought the club into a position, into a place that next season you have to win a major trophy.

"That means that everybody believes that we have the level, that we have shown the consistency and we are an elite team in this country and in Europe and if you don't do that, then what is going to happen?

"For me that is the biggest statement, that Arsenal is there..."

If Arsenal were to wrap up a deal, they'd be signing the perfect teammate for Benjamin Sesko. With Rodrygo on the left and Bukayo Saka on the right, the RB Leipzig striker would be well fed in the final third.