Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender rejects approach from Chelsea hoping to prove his worth to Mourinho
Jose Mourinho has arrived at Real Madrid with the sole objective of returning the team to their former glory. His transfer moves so far, on that front, signal that he sees the defence as the biggest problem.
The Portuguese manager has already signed Ibrahima Konate at centre-back, Marc Cucurella at left-back and Denzel Dumfries at right-back. He is now further pushing for another central defensive signing.
Given that Real Madrid already have Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio and Eder Militao competing at centre-back with the new signings, there is room for a departure.
Asencio, in that regard, has risen as the top option to leave.
Premier League giants knocking at his doorstep
In a recent report, Le Journal du Real bring an update on Asencio’s situation and states that Chelsea have now appeared at the player’s doorstep.
The Premier League giants appreciate the player and have approached him enquiring about his availability for a transfer this summer.
Asencio, however, has rejected the interest as he does not see this as the right time to give up on his dream of succeeding at Real Madrid.
The player is determined to convince Jose Mourinho in pre-season and earn a spot in the manager’s dynamics for the upcoming campaign.
Asencio’s agent exploring options
While word has it that Asencio is opposed to leaving Real Madrid this summer, the player’s agent Jorge Mendes is on the lookout for suitors who can match his client’s salary.
After all, Mourinho has already decided that Asencio has no place in his plans and is looking for a subtle route to make that clear to the player.
Mourinho is pushing for Real Madrid to complete the new centre-back signing at the earliest so as to create a situation where he can easily convey to Asencio that he has no place in the team.
Such a scenario, the new manager believes, will make communication more direct and honest and lead the player to be more receptive to the club’s decision.
Last season, Asencio made 18 starts and 23 appearances in La Liga owing to Militao and Rudiger’s injury woes. With new players arriving, however, it is unlikely that the upcoming season will be as kind to him in terms of minutes.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
