Real Madrid News
Real Madrid scout 25-year-old midfielder during Newcastle United vs Manchester City
Real Madrid have some glaring issues in the midfield department. There is a lack of a player who can control and dictate play from the centre of the park since Toni Kroos and Luka Modric bid goodbye.
The existing options in the squad have not stepped up in the way that the club officials expected them. As such, movement has begun at Valdebebas ahead of the next summer transfer window, with the objective of reinforcing the midfield.
Sandro Tonali on Real Madrid’s radar
Now, according to reports in England, as relayed by SPORT, Real Madrid have identified Newcastle United and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali as a potential target.
Real Madrid scouts were present this past weekend at St James’ Park to closely observe the 25-year-old midfielder during the FA Cup match between Newcastle and Manchester City.
Although the Cityzens are Los Blancos’ opponents in the Champions League Round of 16, with the first leg to be played this Wednesday, the scouts were not only gathering information about Guardiola’s side. They also focused their attention on Tonali.
The Italian started the match and played the full 90 minutes in Newcastle’s 1-3 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup tie. He did, however, get the assist for the goal scored by Harvey Barnes.
With that assist, Tonali now has seven assists this season, along with three goals, all scored in 2026.
Arsenal in the race
Real Madrid have started to show interest in Tonali as part of a long-term race heading toward the summer transfer window, a race currently led by Arsenal.
The Gunners already attempted to sign the former AC Milan star during the winter transfer window, but the deal did not materialise while Newcastle continued to rely on their star midfielder.
His importance at St. James’ Park is so significant that Newcastle are unwilling to let him leave for less than €100 million. Whether Real Madrid would be willing to shell out such a fee for the player remains to be seen.
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.
