Xabi Alonso is soon set to arrive at Real Madrid and one of his first transfer decisions could be of great benefit to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.
Alonso has chosen to join Madrid and is set to be announced as their new boss at the end of the season in La Liga, where there is one more round of games remaining.
The Spanish coach will replace Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to become the head coach of the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup.
But at Madrid, the club is set for a major shakeup and that could involve one of the Gunners’ top targets being sold to make way for new players to arrive.
Xabi Alonso could help Arsenal sign Rodrygo
Xabi Alonso’s first signing could be Nico Williams with Real Madrid thinking about paying his £49m release clause bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu.
In order to fund a move, Rodrygo Goes could be the player to make way, given his current situation in the Spanish capital. Rodrygo could look to leave Madrid this summer as the winger is unsure about his spot in the team.
Rodrygo also wants to play left wing and is keen to get more opportunities playing in his favoured role, having been used on the right for the 15-time European champions. Mikel Arteta could offer that opportunity to the Brazilian with the Gunners on the hunt for a new left winger.
Last summer, Liverpool offered £84m for Rodrygo, however, Madrid decided to reject the bid. But now, with fresh faces needed at the Bernabeu, Alonso could choose to sacrifice the 24-year-old to make way for someone like Williams.
How does Rodrygo compare to Nico Williams?
Rodrygo has more goals and assists this season in all competitions with 23 than Nico Williams, who has managed 18.
| Player | Apps | Goals | Assists | Chances created | Shot Accuracy % | Take-ons completed |
| Nico Williams | 28 | 6 | 5 | 39 | 50 | 63 |
| Rodrygo Goes | 30 | 5 | 5 | 48 | 52.63 | 49 |
In La Liga, the Brazilian has also created more chances and has a slightly higher shot accuracy than the Euro 2024 star. Meanwhile, Williams leads the way in terms of take-ons in the league, having completed 63 this term.
