Real Madrid attacker talks up Kylian Mbappe arrival

For a number of weeks, it has been widely reported that Mbappe has decided to depart Paris Saint-Germain in order to sign for Los Blancos in the summer.

While there has been no confirmation from the France international, who remains tight-lipped over his future, PSG boss Luis Enrique is making a habit of not always using the attacker in their recent games.

Mbappe cut a frustrated figure when being substituted against Marseille on Sunday night, his recent withdrawal only strengthening the belief that he will be plying his trade in La Liga from 2024-25 onwards.

As it stands, it appears that he will be linking up with a club that will have regained the top-flight trophy, Anceotti's side remaining eight points clear after Sunday's 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.

What would Mbappe's arrival mean for Rodrygo?

If Mbappe does arrive at the Bernabeu, he will naturally be used in the final third of the pitch, and that will have consequences for a player already used in the attack.

Vinicius Junior is another guaranteed starter, posing the question of whether Rodrygo would be dropped to the substitutes' bench or Ancelotti will revert to a three-man frontline.

Rodrygo got on the scoresheet against Athletic, and after the match, the Brazil international was quizzed over Mbappe and the potential ramifications for him.

Speaking to Cadena SER, Rodrygo said: "I still don't know about Mbappe, I think it's close from what everyone says. I'll put my confidence in you [the media], but I don't know what's happening either.

"There are a lot of us, so let's see what the coach decides."

As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, he added: "If Mbappe comes, I will be benched? It will be an happy problem for the manager. I'm only focused on Real Madrid".

How has Rodrygo performed this season?

When Karim Benzema was at Real, Rodrygo was largely used out wide, but that has changed since the legendary forward left for the Saudi Pro League.

Taking on more seniority down the centre and in the final third in general, the 23-year-old has contributed 15 goals and eight assists from 42 appearances in all competitions.

By comparison, Vinicius Junior has chipped in with 18 goals and eight assists from 28 appearances, yet Rodrygo has still proven to be a hit in his new role.

Joselu has complemented the pair with his extra physicality and scoring 14 goals in what has been an under-rated campaign from the 34-year-old.

Even if Mbappe does sign for Real, there is scope for the quartet's varying qualities to work in tandem or as alternatives under Ancelotti's watch.