Xabi Alonso reportedly wants Real Madrid to sign 20-year-old Spanish midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza from fellow La Liga club Elche CF.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Rodrigo Mendoza is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. Xabi Alonso is the driving force behind Los Blancos’ move for the Elche midfielder, as he wants the club to reinforce the midfield unit next year. However, Real Madrid will face stiff competition from Arsenal and Manchester City for the 20-year-old midfielder’s signature.

Who is Rodrigo Mendoza?

Rodrigo Mendoza is the latest highly rated prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Murcia, the Spaniard spent his formative years in his homeland, passing through the academies at four clubs and graduating from the youth division at Elche CF. The 20-year-old broke into the first-team squad at Elche CF early in the 2022/23 season, and he has made significant progress since then.

The Spanish midfield prospect has made over 50 appearances thus far for Elche while chipping in with six goals and two assists. Meanwhile, Mendoza’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several European bigwigs. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature, with the youngster’s release clause of €20 million making him an appealing target.

A man in demand

Arsenal may dip into the market for a midfielder again next year despite signing Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window. However, Norgaard is on the wrong side of 30 and will only be a short-term solution in the middle of the park. Mendoza has thus emerged as a viable target for Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s interest in Rodrigo Mendoza makes sense. The Premier League giants are scouring the market for a versatile midfielder, as Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva face an uncertain future at the Etihad. Several candidates have thus emerged on Manchester City’s radar, with Mendoza also a viable target.

As for Real Madrid, the 20-year-old Spaniard has been on their radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as Xabi Alonso wants more options in the middle of the park. So, the Real Madrid manager wants Los Blancos to sign Mendoza.

As iterated earlier, Mendoza’s release clause of €20 million makes him an appealing target for Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Spanish midfield prospect.