With Kylian Mbappe reported to be headed to Real Madrid, his arrival could impact several players at the Santiago Bernabeu, including Rodrygo Goes, who recently admitted to being aware of what the French superstar's transfer could mean for him.
In January this year, Mbappe is understood to have informed Paris Saint-Germain that he will not stay at the club beyond the expiry of his contract in June. This has left many convinced he is set to join Real, and with good reason as some of the Spanish giants' players, such as Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo more recently, have hinted at becoming teammates with Mbappe next season.
However, the 25-year-old's reportedly inevitable arrival could spring a few casualties, in terms of game time at least, in Madrid.
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Rodrygo
The Brazilian was the hero for his club this past weekend when he netted a brace in the side's 2-0 win over Athletic Club to ensure an eight-point gap at top of the LALIGA standing. His performance seemingly brought about the question of how he would be affected by Mbappe's arrival, especially given the notion that Vinicius Junior also ranks above him in the Real pecking order. Rodrygo ultimately hinted at the fact that he may have a reduced role in the team next term. "I don't know about Mbappe yet. I think he's close because everyone says so and I trust you [journalists], but I don't know what's happening either," he said, as quoted by MARCA. "If Mbappe comes, I will be benched? It will be a happy problem for the manager. I'm only focused on Real Madrid."
Brahim Diaz
The Morocco international has been the go-to guy for Ancelotti in the absence of some of his key attacking players this season. The 24-year-old has been a Real player since January 2019, but spent most of his seasons since then on loan at AC Milan. This term, though, the club decided to retain his services and extend his deal until 2027, and have been rewarded with some impressive displays from the 24-year-old. However, with no guarantees as a starter and the incoming arrival of Brazilian sensation Endrick, Diaz may find himself struggling for minutes when everyone is fit. To make matters more interesting, the attacking midfielder is also on the radar of Arsenal, who are said to be considering a £60 million (R1.4 billion) move for the player, according to Football365.
Arda Guler
There are already reports suggesting that the Turkish teenager could be sent out on loan next season amid an underwhelming debut campaign in Madrid. Guler arrived on the back of huge hype at the beginning of this season, but the 19-year-old has been blighted by injuries in addition to failing to adapt quickly to his new environment. Given that he has made just seven appearances this term, including zero starts, it seems quite unlikely he will not be affected by Mbappe's arrival.
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As reports suggest, should the Frenchman's signing be confirmed in the off-season, Real's attack in the next campaign is almost certain to be built around Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, thus making matters rather precarious for the aforementioned players, who will also be joined by young Brazilian sensation Endrick, whose move to the Santiago Bernabeu will be completed in the same window.
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