Real Madrid News
Real Madrid looking for an ‘experienced’ manager to replace Arbeloa – two names ruled out
Real Madrid’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League has hurt Alvaro Arbeloa’s chances of staying at the helm of the first team next season, especially given how the administration made it very clear that silverware would define his future.
With the club set to go trophy-less once more, serious doubts are creeping in about the project and whether the right personnel are managing it.
Despite the defeat, Arbeloa has the backing of the players who feel comfortable and motivated under his tutelage. The decision, however, rests with the administration and they could well look to let him go at the end of the season.
Options considered
Real Madrid have been looking for potential replacements for Arbeloa in recent months to ensure they have options for the summer. In that sense, they have looked with an open mind and minimal filters.
As reported in a recent report by El Mundo, however, Real Madrid are now developing certain filters over the profile they prioritise with the biggest one being the experience of the manager.
Los Blancos want an experienced name to take control of the first team, likely to keep control of the dressing room and provide a definitive direction to the project.
Several young names have been considered in recent weeks including Julian Nagelsmann and Cesc Fabregas, but they have now been discarded after the newfound clarity.
Los Blancos’ sudden hesitance towards young and upcoming managers may well have to do with the sour experience with Xabi Alonso, and the poor run under Alvaro Arbeloa now. Having backed two young coaches in the past year, they now know that the right path is different.
It thus remains to be seen as to who the club have on their radar as an experienced option with the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino being some of the names considered.
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.
