Real Madrid News
Real Madrid could receive unexpected windfall as Ajax eye former academy gem
Sergio Arribas was once regarded as one of the most talented young prospects coming through the academy at Real Madrid.
The young attacking midfielder, however, left the club in 2023 after making only 14 senior appearances, given that there was no pathway for him to become a regular in the first-team setup.
Having joined Almeria, the 24-year-old has continued to make positive strides in his career, with clubs across Europe taking an interest.
Ajax want Arribas, move could benefit Real Madrid
Indeed, according to AS, Dutch giants AFC Ajax have shown an interest in signing Arribas from Almeria, in a move that could end up benefitting Real Madrid.
After all, Los Blancos retain 50% of the player’s rights and would stand to receive half the fee from the sale, if it goes through.
Ajax have been closely monitoring Arribas for a considerable period. The Dutch club already tried to sign him from Almería in 2024, but were unsuccessful.
At the time, Cesc Fabregas also wanted him at Como, but ultimately secured the signing of Nico Paz instead.
Now, Ajax wish to move again for Arribas next summer. The Dutch side want him to be one of their key players, but the problem for them is Almeria’s asking price, which is between €20-25 million.
That figure has on more than one occasion halted Arribas’ departure, both to La Liga clubs and those abroad that have shown interest.
Real Madrid are closely monitoring the situation regarding Arribas. Almeria paid €7 million in 2023 for 50% of his rights.
If he is transferred, the Spanish capital club would receive half the proceeds from the sale – around €10 million if the €20 million asking price is met. It would undoubtedly represent an unexpected income for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
