When the 24-year-old Brazilian started Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Al Hilal on Wednesday — and assisted Madrid’s only goal in that 1-1 draw — it was his first appearance since being replaced at half-time of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26.

Arsenal remain keen on signing Real Madrid forward Rodrygo and are confident they can offer him a sporting project that will convince him to leave the Spanish giants. T he 24-year-old’s future has been a matter of intense speculation since the end of last season when he fell out of favour with Real’s now former manager Carlo Ancelotti.