Real Madrid make decision on Arsenal transfer target Rodrygo as Xabi Alonso responds

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has suggested he will be 'counting' on Arsenal transfer target Rodrygo in their La Liga opener on Tuesday night.

The winger continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium though it has been announced he is part of the squad that will face CA Osasuna.

Arsenal placed a great emphasis on developing their attacking department ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Mikel Arteta has added Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke to his existing Gunners squad.

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But they continue to be tipped to move for another influential attacker before the summer transfer window shuts on September 1. With arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur stealing a march for Eberechi Eze, the most-linked alternative would have to be Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old's future at Real Madrid remains in question because he only started one of six matches under Alonso at the FIFA Club World Cup over the summer. This followed having a reduced role under Carlo Ancelotti last season.

So the Gunners and other Premier League clubs have reportedly been attentive to the situation in the Spanish capital.

Now the latest update has arrived ahead of Los Blancos' first match of the new La Liga campaign. They face Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night and Alonso was asked about Rodrygo's involvement at his pre-match press conference.

"I'm counting on everyone," he vaguely told Marca and other media in attendance.

Rodrygo had scored his first goal since early April in Real's final summer friendly against WSG Tirol last week. Taking this commitment into consideration, he has officially been listed in the squad that will play tomorrow night.

That said, he is one of six attackers Alonso will have to pick from, meaning an appearance is not guaranteed.

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior have started the two friendlies Real have played since returning to training earlier this month. Starting once each alongside them were Gonzalo Garcia and Brahim Diaz.

Rodrygo appeared as a substitute in both friendlies and finally new signing Franco Mastantuono - another right-winger - has been added to Alonso's squad.

Kick-off for Real vs Osasuna is scheduled for 8:00pm on Tuesday, August 19.