Real Madrid News
Real Madrid face Arsenal competition for La Liga gem with €20 million release clause
Rodrigo Mendoza of Elche has emerged as one of the breakout stars in La Liga this season, with the 20-year-old creative midfielder making a solid impression in his maiden campaign in the Spanish top flight.
Real Madrid had their eyes on the youngster since last summer and their interest in him has only strengthened since, with manager Xabi Alonso understood to be pushing the club to sign the Spanish talent.
Arsenal also want Rodrigo Mendoza
However, now, according to Sam Dean of The Telegraph, Arsenal are also monitoring Rodrigo Mendoza and are weighing up a move for the Elche midfielder.
The 20-year-old starlet has played ten times in all competitions this season, scoring two goals, and his performances have not gone unnoticed.
Arsenal are looking to future-proof their squad and as such are considering making a move for the Elche ace, who has a release clause worth €20 million in his contract.
The report goes on to highlight that Real Madrid are long-term admirers of Mendoza, who has been likened to Barcelona superstar Pedri in some circles.
As such, there may be a future battle brewing between the Merengues and the Gunners for the services of the Spanish U-21 international.
Apart from Real Madrid and Arsenal, Premier League heavyweights Manchester City are also tracking the young midfielder, with Pep Guardiola an admirer. Juventus, too, are interested in the Spaniard.
As things stand, a January exit appears unlikely for Mendoza but the possibility of a summer departure looms large, with a big move awaiting.
But with Arda Guler transitioning into a midfield role and Real Madrid also planning to re-sign Nico Paz next summer, it remains to be seen how they plan to fit Mendoza into their setup.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
