Rodrygo to Chelsea transfer incentive as Arsenal alerted to classy Estevao Willian gesture

Chelsea must do whatever it takes to sign Rodrygo ahead of Arsenal. The Real Madrid winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer after a rocky start to life under Xabi Alonso.

Upon the former Liverpool midfielder's unveiling as the new Los Blancos manager, he claimed Rodrygo had a future at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite insisting that the Brazil international 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, while Brahim Diaz was often preferred off the bench. Even Kylian Mbappe, who was nursing an illness at the start of the tournament, was quickly thrown straight back into the starting lineup once he recovered.

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football.london understands that Arsenal are interested in Rodrygo, but any move would be complicated at the moment. The Gunners' reluctance to launch a swift bid for the Real Madrid star has left the door wide open for other teams, like Chelsea, to swoop in.

According to the Spanish television show El Chiringuito, the two Premier League clubs have recently approached Rodrygo's agents to enquire about his availability. The report claims that the winger views London as an 'attractive destination'.

However, it's said that Arsenal and Chelsea face tough competition for his signature. El Chiringuito reckons that Bayern Munich have sent Los Blancos an offer for Rodrygo in light of Jamal Musiala's injury and Nico Williams' decision to stay at Athletic Club.

The Brazilian is reportedly reconsidering his future, despite having previously been determined to fight for a place in the starting lineup. Chelsea should be all over this like a rash.

Rodrygo would be an excellent addition to Enzo Maresca's starting lineup and join a growing South American contingent. At Stamford Bridge, he could mirror his fellow countryman, Estevao Willian, on the left-hand side.

Rodrygo has previously relished the opportunity to work closely with the Chelsea wonderkid, who could play a crucial role in pulling the Real Madrid star away from a potential transfer to Arsenal.

In an interview with Lance back in September 2024, while on international duty, Rodrygo showed his class. He said: "Regardless of age, I know I’m very young. I’m only 23, but I end up being the most experienced of the group.

"You see Estevao at 17, Henrique at 18. So, they are very young boys, so even though I’m young, I can pass on some of this experience to them."

If Chelsea signed Rodrygo, he could take Estevao under his wing and help him fulfil his potential. Of course, the Blues shouldn't pay €100m (£86m) for a babysitter, but the Real Madrid star would be just as valuable on the pitch as he would be off it.

As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea or Arsenal will sharpen their tools. 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."