Real Madrid News
Mourinho could turn to Real Madrid veteran as a starting option after international break
Real Madrid head into the international break six points behind Barcelona, and it is safe to say that the deficit is massive considering the stage of the season.
Los Blancos have looked second best in most of the games they have played this season, but the recent defeat to Atletico Madrid was perhaps their worst performance yet, and it is clear that a lot must change.
The pressure on Jose Mourinho is clearly mounting, and the manager has some massive decisions to make over the next three weeks before club football returns.
The big midfield call
So far this season, Mourinho has maintained Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde as his top defensive midfield pairing on the field, especially for the big games.
While the former was indeed injured for a long time, his prompt inclusion into the dynamics made it clear that he was seen as essential.
As reported by MARCA, however, one of Mourinho’s biggest decisions will have to arrive on the midfield composition – particularly the Valverde-Tchouameni pairing.
While both players are indeed match-winners in their own right, their ability to create openings and bring creativity to the field generates serious doubts. In fact, the duo have barely created any chances in their time together on the field.
The manager could, thus, turn to Bernardo Silva more often after the break and he could well arise as an optimal alternative starter – especially against defensive teams.
A need to play actively
Most of Real Madrid’s performances so far this season have seen the team play too passively and defend deep while waiting to hit out on the counter-attack.
What the opening phase of the season has made clear, however, is that it is simply not sustainable to retain the same dynamic moving forward.
Adding a creative player to the pivot and bringing in profiles like Arda Guler who can offer versatility, needless to say, will go a long way in seeing Real Madrid take charge of games.
All eyes, thus, will be on Mourinho to see if he can boldly bench the big names and work out a system that plays with a clear plan.
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.
