Real Madrid News
Florentino Perez watching: UCL clash vs Man City could decide the future of Real Madrid star
Real Madrid are gearing up for arguably their most important match of the season as they take on Manchester City at the Etihad tonight.
Having lost the Super Cup to Barcelona and been knocked out of the Copa Del Rey, securing the Champions League title is a non-negotiable for Los Blancos this season.
However, in Man City, Real Madrid have a foe who are more than capable of beating them. The focus, therefore, should be on defensive solidity, although the ongoing injury crisis in defence doesn’t make things easier.
Among many absentees, the loss of Alvaro Carreras could be key as Real Madrid lack any reliable alternative. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa certainly doesn’t trust Fran Garcia, which means Ferland Mendy could start against City.
A big match for Mendy
According to Defensa Central, this promises to be an important game for Ferland Mendy, as his performance on the night could dictate his future.
Indeed, Real Madrid’s president, who is not happy with the team right now, will be closely monitoring Mendy’s performance against Man City.
The Frenchman is already on thin ice, having struggled with injuries throughout the majority of his career at Santiago Bernabeu.
The report adds that if Mendy can impress tonight in the absence of Carreras, he will be guaranteed a start in the second leg.
From thereon, the fullback will receive a second chance to prove himself. But if he fails tonight, Real Madrid would strongly reconsider his future at the club.
This is an important game for Garcia as well, as Mendy potentially performing well against City could convince Real Madrid to offload him instead, as he is already behind Mendy in the pecking order.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are also banking on yet another player in the form of Vinicius Jr., whose contributions up front could be key in the absence of Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
