Real Madrid News
AC Milan revive interest in Real Madrid forward ahead of January window
The future of Endrick at Real Madrid heading into the January transfer window has yet again become a subject of much discussion.
The 20-year-old striker attracted a lot of interest in the summer and could have left, especially with Los Blancos signing Carlos Espi.
However, Jose Mourinho stepped in and stopped his departure with the promise of prominence in the team.
But a pre-season injury and increased competition for places has meant that Endrick has again struggled to play, leading to the possibility of another loan exit in January.
AC Milan revive interest
Now, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, Endrick’s agent is expected to hold talks with Real Madrid during the international break because of concerns over the forward’s limited playing time and involvement at the start of the season.
After all, Endrick has played just four minutes in La Liga this season.
Moreover, the report states that AC Milan have renewed their interest in Endrick, after having tried to sign him in the summer and failed.
Real Madrid would be open to a loan move, but not to a permanent transfer. The Italian giants are understood to be preparing to push for a deal in January in an attempt to bring him in for the second half of the season.
Another Lyon scenario?
Mourinho had a plan for Endrick that was an important factor in the Brazilian remaining at Real Madrid. But his injury and the emergence of Carlos Espi has changed things.
As such, with Endrick currently receiving very little playing time, interest from other clubs has emerged.
Real Madrid loaned Endrick out to Lyon last January where the Brazilian excelled, before returning to the club in the summer.
Given the current circumstances, another such loan arrangement cannot be ruled out, with Endrick leaving in search of regular minutes.
AC Milan appear to be among the clubs most interested, although there are no formal talks taking place. Milan’s Serie A rivals, AS Roma, who also wanted Endrick in the summer, have also revived their pursuit of the youngster.
Real Madrid News
Ex-Real Madrid presidential candidate wanted to bring Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta as manager
The presidential election at Real Madrid this summer was something unprecedented but despite the best efforts of Enrique Riquelme, he couldn’t do much to dethrone Florentino Perez.
That being said, some of Riquelme’s ideas have now become more relevant than ever, including his pitch to sign Jurgen Klopp as the new manager, instead of Jose Mourinho.
However, Riquelme wasn’t always in favour of Klopp and in fact, had initially pitched Mikel Arteta as the next manager for Real Madrid.
Riquelme had favoured Arteta
According to The Athletic, Riquelme had identified Arteta as a potential successor to then-coach Alvaro Arbeloa as part of his election campaign.
The context came amid Arteta’s own contract situation at Arsenal, with the Spaniard having just signed a new four-year deal following the club’s Premier League triumph.
The report notes that Real Madrid were the biggest club searching for a new coach at the time, and Riquelme saw Arteta as an appealing candidate.
Ultimately, though, Riquelme’s campaign shifted towards Klopp, while Perez, who won the election, opted to bring back Mourinho.
As a result, Arteta’s name never progressed beyond an early consideration, and the Spaniard remained fully committed to Arsenal, where he continues to build on his growing legacy.
Arteta has consistently dismissed interest from elsewhere, including links to Barcelona in 2024.
Mourinho has his work cut out
While Real Madrid ultimately chose Mourinho, the early signs suggest the Portuguese has a significant task on his hands.
Los Blancos have endured a stuttering start to the season, already sitting well behind runaway leaders Barcelona in La Liga.
Performances have been inconsistent, with the team lacking intensity and cohesion, and reports have even pointed to unrest within the dressing room.
That has inevitably led to questions over whether a different appointment, such as Arteta or Klopp, might have offered a smoother transition.
Arteta, in particular, has proven his credentials by ending Arsenal’s long wait for a Premier League title, doing so against a dominant Manchester City.
For now, Mourinho must find a way to turn things around and justify Perez’s faith. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the pressure is already building.
