Real Madrid's eye-watering Rodrygo 'asking price' as Arsenal 'hold talks'

Real Madrid have set their sights high, reportedly demanding upwards of £80million before they'll entertain the idea of parting ways with Rodrygo as Arsenal continue to circle.

The forward's name has been bandied about during the transfer window, with his game time at the Spanish giants noticeably dwindling this summer at the Club World Cup. Despite some pivotal performances, Rodrygo doesn't appear to be viewed on the same level as Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. by Xabi Alonso.

With his playing minutes on a downward trajectory, Rodrygo watched from the sidelines for the fifth game running as Real suffered a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of PSG in the Club World Cup semi-finals.

Speculation is rife about a potential departure, but Real are not looking to sell cheaply. UOL Esporte in Brazil reports that the club is holding out for bids in the region of £86m before contemplating a Bernabeu exit for Rodrygo.

Rodrygo himself has expressed a desire to play on the left wing, a spot currently claimed by Vinicius Jr. While former manager Carlo Ancelotti managed to find him a place on the right, current coach Alonso has not favoured him in that position.

When pressed about his choice to bench Rodrygo once more, the Real boss explained: "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."

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Rodrygo, and preliminary discussions have taken place with the player's representatives. However, the Gunners are likely to sign Noni Madueke from Chelsea, which could dampen their interest in the Brazilian.

Mikel Arteta has already brought in Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea this summer, while Martin Zubimendi is Arsenal's marquee signing so far. Brentford skipper Christian Norgaard has also joined, and the Gunners are in advanced talks with Sporting Lisbon for striker Viktor Gyokeres.