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Manchester United are “monitoring” Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid with the Spanish giant expected to lower their initial asking price for the 24-year-old winger this summer, according to a report.
Rodrygo has emerged as one of the standout attackers in Europe in recent years after signing for Madrid as a 17-year-old wonderkid from Brazilian side Santos in 2018.
One of Europe’s Best
The Brazil international is technically outstanding but possesses excellent physical attributes to match his ability on the ball. He is also hard-working and a willing presser out of possession.
Rodrygo is most often deployed on the right-wing for Los Blancos despite favouring the left, and has played more centrally as well, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the team.
He has played a key role in helping Madrid to two Champions League trophies, three La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey, as well as a number of minor successes in the form of Super Cups and a Club World Cup.
But the arrival of Kylian Mbappe last summer in a blockbuster free transfer from Paris-Saint Germain has infringed upon Rodrygo’s standing in the team.
Former manager, Carlo Ancelotti, who has since left the Spanish capital to become the Brazil manager, struggled to fit the attacking trident of Rodrygo, Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior into the same team as Jude Bellingham.
This led to an imbalanced side with the midfield and defensive units suffering as a result of an overloaded attack.
Madrid exited the Champions League early, endured a painful Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona, and finished second in La Liga to their bitter rivals as a result. Predictably, Ancelotti was moved on with Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso arriving in his place.
But the poor season has led to reports revealing Rodrygo’s unhappiness with his reduced role and the expectation Madrid may seek to cash in on the Brazilian to direct funds elsewhere on the pitch to create a more balanced line up.
A Cut-Price Exit
Caught Offside reveals a host of Premier League sides – Arsenal, Chelsea and United – are “monitoring” the situation at the Bernabeu with keen interest in Rodrygo.
Initially, Madrid’s demand for the winger was in the region of €110 million (£94m) which would have proved difficult for any suitor. But the report reveals the Spanish side may be ready to compromise on this valuation to help facilitate a deal – with Arsenal believed to be leading the race ahead of their domestic rivals.
“Arsenal could likely sign Real Madrid’s versatile attacking star Rodrygo Goes for a fee in the region of €80-85m, CaughtOffside understands…Mikel Arteta is a big fan of Rodrygo’s profile and wants Arsenal to sign him this summer.
“Despite Real Madrid’s demands, there is a sense that Rodrygo is more likely to move for something closer to €80-85m. Manchester United and Chelsea have also been monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation, while Xabi Alonso would also ideally like to keep him.”
United’s chances of landing Rodrygo would appear distant, however, despite reports earlier in the summer of interest from the Red Devils.
There is no prospect of European football on offer at Old Trafford next season which will likely be pivotal to the Brazilian’s decision to depart the Spanish capital.
But the price drop, from €110 million to €80-85 million, should prove manageable for United given they are negotiating a deal for Bryan Mbeumo – another versatile winger – worth in excess of €70 million.
A €10-15 million increase to land one of the continent’s most dangerous wingers at an ideal age with a proven track record of goals, assists, and excellent work-rate could prove a market opportunity INEOS consider ‘unmissable’, explaining the club continuing to keep a watchful eye on developments in Madrid.
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