Al-Ittihad has added Elche's 20-year-old midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza to its shortlist, a list that also includes Real Madrid. The Spain U21 international is the subject of wider interest, and a report from Football Insider states that Arsenal and Manchester City are preparing to compete for him. According to Italian outlet Il Messaggero, Juventus is also interested and has considered a January deal. Mendoza's contract contains a €20 million release clause, and while Elche hopes to retain him until the end of the season, they cannot prevent a transfer if that clause is activated. An approach for the player from Como during the summer was previously rejected by Elche. Mendoza joined Elche in July 2023 and has a current market value of €9.00m, according to Transfermarkt; he has recorded 1 goal in 9 LaLiga appearances this season.