Real Madrid confirm Rodrygo decision as Arsenal transfer saga takes new twist

Arsenal transfer target Rodrygo has been selected to start for Real Madrid in their La Liga match on Sunday night, as Xabi Alonso's side face Real Oviedo.

This decision comes after a summer of speculation that the Brazilian's time with the Spanish club could be ending. If Rodrygo were to need a new club, Arsenal and a number of their Premier League rivals have been linked with the signing.

But now the winger has successfully worked his way into his manager's thinking and has been named in the starting XI for Los Blancos' second fixture of the season.

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Rodrygo comes into Alonso's side on the left flank in place of fellow Brazil international Vinicius Junior, meanwhile there have been three other changes made.

This fixture swiftly follows on from Real's season opener against CA Osasuna last Tuesday. In that game Rodrygo was named amongst the substitutes and was left unused by his manager.

In fact, Rodrygo was last handed a La Liga start on April 20. He would go on to finish the 2024/25 campaign under Carlo Ancelotti by making one more substitute cameo before sitting out the final five fixtures.

Alonso took over before the FIFA Club World Cup hinting his new player could experience a revitalised career, however Rodrygo was handed only one start at the summer tournament in the United States.

Then came the Osasuna snub last week, after which Alonso explained: "We consider what we think is best for each game. Of course, I speak to a lot of players, and I've spoken to Rodrygo as well.

"I'm happy with the squad we have, but you always have to be open-minded. I don't know what will happen, but I'm happy with my squad."

How the Arsenal transfer target responds to his selection is set to unfold over the coming 90 minutes.

He and his Madrid teammates face newly-promoted Oviedo at the Estadio Nuevo Carlos Tartiere, with kick-off scheduled for 8.30pm BST.

The opposition have former Gunners hero Santi Cazorla, 40, named on their bench.