Alaba wants to fight for Real Madrid's place after a talk with Xabi Alonso, as multiple EPL clubs are keen on Rodrygo

Nigeria-born Austrian defender David Alaba will stay and fight for a place in the Real Madrid team.

 According to a recent report from Defensa Central, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has made a significant decision regarding Alaba’s future at the club.

The Austrian international, who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, was reportedly told on Monday that he is not part of the coach’s plans for the upcoming campaign.

Alonso, who officially begins his tenure with a training session on Monday, used the day not only for groundwork but also to hold one-on-one meetings with several players, including Rodrygo and Alaba.

In Alaba’s case, the message was firm but respectful: “In principle, we’re not counting on you, but if you want to stay, you’ll be one more.”

Alonso is reportedly keen to allow Alaba to stay if he chooses, but will not guarantee him minutes or a significant role in the squad moving forward.

Real Madrid has agreed to give the player full freedom to explore a move elsewhere should he wish.

The Austrian defender, whose current contract runs until 2026, remains one of the highest earners at the club.

However, recurring injuries, particularly to his knee, have cast serious doubts over his ability to play consistently at the elite level.

While the club initially hoped he could recover and become a key part of the squad again, it has become clear that he cannot handle playing several games in quick succession.

At present, Alaba, who will miss the FIFA Club World Cup, has expressed a desire to remain at Real Madrid. But Alonso’s conversation may shift that stance.

The reality is that it will be difficult for Alaba to find another club willing to match his current wages, especially given his recent injury record and physical limitations.

The situation presents a clear crossroads for the 32-year-old. He can either stay and fight for his place or seek a transfer to a club where the demands may be lighter.

However, a move would likely require Alaba to accept a reduced salary and a less competitive environment.

Another Madrid star, Rodrygo has been approached by multiple Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, a report has claimed.

The Brazilian winger has fast become one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer so far after reportedly telling Real Madrid that he wished never to play for the club again and choosing not to play in last month's El Clásico against Barcelona.

With Rodrygo already forced to play in the shadow of superstar team-mates Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu, he saw his role deplete even further under Carlo Ancelotti towards the end of the season, regularly sitting on the bench as the Italian tweaked his formation and tactics.

Despite reportedly expressing his desire to leave, Rodrygo could still reverse his decision if talks with new Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso go smoothly and suit both parties.

.Firstly, the 24-year-old star wants to feel important at the club, having taken more of a backseat since the arrivals of Bellingham in 2023 and Mbappe in 2024.

The second demand is that Rodrygo feels most comfortable at left wing, rather than the right wing position he has been deployed in over the last few campaigns.

This stipulation could prove problematic for Alonso and the club to resolve given that Vinicius Jr, last year's Ballon d'Or runner-up, regularly plays in the left wing role.

Keenly monitoring Rodrygo's situation at the Bernabeu, Arsenal have approached the Brazilian in the hope of luring him to north London before the start of next season.

The outlet claims that Arteta is convinced Rodrygo will play a major role in the Gunners' pursuit of silverware, with Arsenal having finished second in the Premier League for a third successive season last term.

It is also reported, however, that Arsenal are not the only Premier League side to have approached the winger, although the clubs in question have not been named.

Rodrygo's eagerness to play left wing at Arsenal could present a major blow to his international teammate Gabriel Martinelli, who has played there consistently for Arsenal over the past few seasons.

A lack of firepower in attack, namely at centre forward, was Arsenal's most noticeable Achilles heel during last season's failed title bid, with Kai Havertz the club's highest scorer in the Premier League with just nine goals.

The Gunners are also reportedly keen on luring Nico Williams to the Emirates as an alternative to Rodrygo, with Arsenal's coaching staff huge fans of both.

Arteta is also eager to sign a centre half to compete with first-team stars Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.

It is believed Arteta launched a significant attempt to sign Dean Huijsen before the former Bournemouth defender ultimately chose a move to Real Madrid.

Arsenal have now reportedly turned their attention to Crystal Palace and England centre back Marc Guehi, who has just one year remaining on his contract.v