Real Madrid News
Real Madrid admire 20-year-old midfielder but do not see him as priority target
It is a known fact that Real Madrid are actively exploring options to bring in a midfield orchestrator, a player capable of dictating tempo, controlling games, and adding leadership to the squad.
In that regard, according to respected journalist Matteo Moretto in Radio Marca, Dutch talent Kees Smit appears to be on their radar, but the team is not considering him as a priority at the moment.
“Madrid is looking for a midfielder with the qualities that Rodri possesses: leadership, a winning mentality, and experience,” explained Moretto.
It is in this context that the name of Kees Smit has surfaced.
The 20-year-old Dutch youngster is regarded as one of the most promising midfield prospects in Europe, and Madrid are clearly monitoring his development.
However, Moretto clarified his standing within the club’s plans, explaining, “Madrid really likes him, but he’s not a priority.”
Smit loves La Liga
From the player’s perspective, a move to Spain appears highly appealing.
In fact, while speaking in an interview earlier this month, Smit openly expressed his desire to experience La Liga football, saying,
“La Liga. Playing there would be great. I love the sun, I’m tired of playing in so much cold and rain, so I’d like to go and play in Spain,” he said.
Despite his young age, any transfer would require a significant investment.
As reported before, Smit could command a fee exceeding €50 million.
More importantly, Real Madrid are not alone in the race, as interest from Premier League clubs, as well as rivals like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, is expected to intensify competition.
For now, though, while Real Madrid continue to track emerging talents like Smit, their primary focus remains on securing experience and leadership in midfield.
This means the Dutch prodigy may be on the radar, but whether he becomes a priority could depend entirely on how the summer transfer window unfolds.
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.
