Spain’s media react to Rodrygo’s display for Real Madrid after Arsenal show ‘genuine interest’ in bid

Arsenal fans will have been paying close attention to Rodrygo’s efforts for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup.Rodrygo started for Real Madrid and played 65 minutes on the right wing in their 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.The result was undoubtedly a disappointing one for the Galacticos, who would have been anticipating a comfortable first win under new boss Xabi Alonso.And from an Arsenal perspective, there were a lot of eyes on Alonso’s decision-making when it came to Rodrygo.Arsenal are considering a move for Rodrygo right now, and fans who want him to sign for Mikel Arteta should probably hope that he cuts a frustrated figure at the Club World Cup.Rodrygo has been unhappy at Real Madrid of late owing to his diminished squad role, but that is still a situation that Alonso could potentially turn around.Arsenal should be encouraged by another frustrated Rodrygo displayThat being said, and with Arsenal showing ‘genuine interest’ in Rodrygo, Spain’s media have reacted to the Brazilian’s performance against Al-Hilal.And understandably, there was some mention of the speculation over Rodrygo’s future, which doesn’t solely exist from an Arsenal perspective.Giving their review of Rodrygo’s showing, Defensa Central immediately referenced ‘several weeks of rumours’ before handing the winger a 4/10 rating.They wrote: “After several weeks of rumours surrounding his continuity, another golden opportunity finally arrived. Photo by Carl Kafka/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: How Arsenal really feel about Raheem Sterling after disastrous loan deal, Andrea Berta is eyeing big changes“He started on the right wing, despite all the talk about his role in that position. He had been making more than his fair share of mistakes until the 33rd minute, when his dribbling and assist to Gonzalo opened the scoring. “He struggled more during a second half where few opportunities allowed him to perform. He remains in serious debt.”Bernabeu Digital added to that criticism somewhat, claiming that Rodrygo’s performance was simply ‘dull’.Scoring him 5/10, they declared: “Just as dull as he was a month ago. “Xabi gave him the confidence to start, but the Brazilian didn’t show, or come close to, his best. He still provided the assist for Gonzalo.”But it should be noted that Goal in Spain were a lot more positive about Rodrygo’s efforts, handing him an 8/10 and writing: “He got a beautiful assist and was a real threat down the right flank.”Rodrygo wants to play as a left winger next seasonEither way, it seems as if Rodrygo might still benefit from a fresh start judging by the reviews, something which should perk interest at Arsenal.As Spain’s media referenced, Rodrygo would like to play on the left wing next season, not on the right as he did against Al-Hilal.And that is something Arteta can offer the winger — Bukayo Saka has the right side of Arsenal’s attack locked down but there’s a spot to be won on the other flank.As the tournament goes on, Arsenal fans will have to selfishly hope that the likes of Arda Guler begin to steal game time away from Rodrygo, adding to his frustration.It’s an odd situation for Arsenal supporters to be watching on hoping for one of their transfer targets to not play, but to land a player of Rodrygo’s calibre from Real Madrid, something significant will need to happen.And if sporting director Andrea Berta can ultimately pull off a deal, Rodrygo’s move would be like Arsenal signing Mesut Ozil all over again.