Real Madrid will slash their asking price for Arsenal target Rodrygo in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
The Brazil international’s future came under intense scrutiny during the latter stages of last season.
While reports have suggested the winger is open to staying at the club, his lack of game time has fuelled talk Real could cash in before the end of the month.
Rodrygo started just one of Real’s six matches at the Club World Cup, managing a combined total of 92 minutes across the entire competition.
Los Blancos opened their La Liga campaign with a 1-0 win over Osasuna on Tuesday night with the winger again an unused substitute.
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Explaining Rodrygo’s latest absence, Xabi Alonso said: ‘Nothing’s happening. The World Cup was a different context because of the competition. Today it’s just a game.
‘What counts is this season. I’m counting on him; there’s no need to read too far into the future. If he’s still the same in three months, I’ll be able to answer.’
Arsenal are huge admirers of Rodrygo and reached out to his representatives in June to discuss a possible move.
The Gunners have since signed Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres in attack but still want to sign a left winger. Mikel Arteta’s side also look set to miss out on Eberechi Eze, who is now close to sealing a move to their north London rivals Tottenham.
Real are asking for €100million (£86m) for the 24-year-old with no formal offers put forward at this stage.
But Spanish football expert Guillem Balague reports the club could settle for a smaller fee towards the end of the summer transfer window.
That fee could be as little as €60m to €70m (£51m to £60m) – a relative bargain for a player who has been key to Real’s recent successes.
Manchester City have also been among the sides interested in signing the Brazilian this summer as a possible replacement for Savinho.
The 21-year-old only arrived in Manchester but has been the subject of interest from Tottenham. City however are determined to keep the youngster, effectively ending their interest in his countryman Rodrygo.