Real Madrid News
Arbeloa plans to recall key Real Madrid duo into the lineup for Bayern Munich clash
Real Madrid are currently enjoying their best run of form this season, as exemplified by their comeback win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
However, their biggest challenge awaits them next month when Los Blancos take on Bayern Munich, who are looking to exact revenge.
Bayern have been in monstrous form this season and it would require a tactical masterclass from Alvaro Arbeloa in order to beat the German giants.
Arbeloa’s plan ahead of Bayern clash
According to Defensa Central, it appears Arbeloa is already thinking long and hard about the prospect of facing Bayern Munich over two legs next month.
The Real Madrid coach has some ideas, which include an overhaul of the current setup that has been winning matches for the team.
Indeed, Arbeloa plans to bring Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe back into the team against Bayern, in order to add more quality to their fight against Bayern.
In doing so, the Real Madrid coach is willing to sacrifice two players in the form of Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz, who have been starting matches of late for Los Blancos.
The international break should give Bellingham and Mbappe the opportunity to get some minutes and get into the groove. If neither of them feels ready physically, Arbeloa won’t start them.
Unlike previous coach Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa does appear to have the backing of the players, who have been peaking just at the right time. The game against Bayern will serve as an ideal opportunity for them to put this good form to use.
The game will be particularly important for Arbeloa, as whether or not he can beat Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals will dictate his future at Real Madrid.
Real Madrid have identified the midfield department as a key area of the squad that needs strengthening next year.
Having failed to sign Rodri this past summer, the Merengues understand that a major signing is necessary in the position.
Several names have already been linked as potential targets for the Spanish capital club, one of whom happens to be AFC Bournemouth rising star Alex Scott.
Indeed, Real Madrid have scouted the England international this season and are continuing to closely monitor his development in the Premier League.
However, competition for the 23-year-old midfielder’s services is already heating up.
AC Milan eye Alex Scott
Indeed, according to Tutto Mercato (h/t AS), Italian giants AC Milan have set their sights on Scott to replace Real Madrid legend Luka Modric next season.
Modric, at 41, is entering the final phase of his career and his contract with the Rossoneri stands to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign.
As such, the Serie A heavyweights will need to rope in a replacement and have seemingly identified Scott, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar, as an option.
Apart from AC Milan, even Chelsea and Liverpool have also shown interest in the 23-year-old England star, and might even be willing to make a move for him in January.
This complicates the situation for Real Madrid, who would ideally wait until the summer of 2027 to reinforce their midfield unit.
€50 million for Scott?
Furthermore, the report states that Scott is valued by Bournemouth at around €50 million, a fee that could be an issue for AC Milan.
That figure, however, should not pose a challenge for Real Madrid. Nonetheless, the increasing competition for the 23-year-old’s services could drive up the price further, making things complicated.
For now, though, Real Madrid’s interest in Scott has been limited to scouting and monitoring his progress and compiling reports on him.
Whether it translates into a formal approach and offer in the summer or in January itself remains to be seen.
