Xabi Alonso can block huge Arsenal transfer as Mikel Arteta dream move in limbo

Arsenal’s season has come to a close, and already plans to improve the squad for next season are underway.

There are hopes to strengthen the side in many areas, and Mikel Arteta confirmed that there would be sit-down conversations with the team this week to finalise the plans for the summer.

"Yeah, with the coaches, analyse everything, what we've done as a team, what we've done individually, put all the plans together that they are almost done, sit down with them, finalise a few things that still have to be planned out, decided timings of that and go for it," he said.

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One such player who has risen to the fore in recent weeks regarding the Gunners is Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. The Brazilian has emerged as something of a market opportunity, with the recruitment in the Spanish capital significant enough to reduce his minutes.

Plus, as a naturally left-sided player, he is continuously played on the right due to the presence of Vinicius Jr.

While both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard remain options on the left, neither is 100% certain to be at the club next season. Contract discussions are thought to be underway with both players, but so far, no assurance has been reached.

Arsenal's hopes of landing Rodrygo have multiple challenges associated with them. First is the player's wages, which are already significant but may need to go even higher to agree to a move to the Gunners.

However, more significantly, Xabi Alonso's appointment in the Spanish capital is significant. The former Bayer Leverkusen head coach will assess the squad and make key decisions about whether some are or are not part of his plans.

Should he plead with the Real Madrid hierarchy that Rodrygo needs to stay and says as much to the player, outlining his importance in his plans, it could be that this scuppers any hopes the Gunners have of signing him. How much influence the head coach has in the manner of transfer at Real Madrid is a discussion of its own.

However, Alonso will have the power to sell the immediate project to Rodrygo certainly and potentially impact Arsenal’s plans. Another Gunners target Nico Williams also figures in this transfer tangle.

Madrid and Alonso are believed to be fans of the player and if they decide to move for the Athletic Club talisman, it could be that Arsenal then have more of a green light to pursue Rodrygo. The opposite is also true as the Gunners could pivot to Williams themselves should a move for the 24-year-old become impossible.