Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set for economic boost as Ajax and Benfica battle it out for former player
Real Madrid academy players have been in high demand this summer, as evidenced by Nico Paz’s permanent move to Como.
Another player in focus this summer is Sergio Arriabas, a product of La Fabrica who currently plies his trade for Almeria.
Arribas has been with Almeria since 2023, and his performance has been extraordinary, with the player racking up 44 goals and 16 assists.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, and the player has been on the radar of Benfica as they look to shore up their ranks in the attacking department.
Ajax join the race
According to AS, Benfica are no longer alone in their pursuit of Arribas, with Ajax now emerging as serious contenders for the attacking midfielder’s signature.
Benfica have already initiated initial contact with Arribas’ representatives, in what is expected to be a transfer exceeding €20 million.
The Lisbon club are keen to add the Madrid-born playmaker to their squad. However, they will face stiff competition.
Ajax are the other side in the frame, with both Michel and Jordi Cruyff reportedly fascinated by Arribas, even if no formal contact has been made yet.
A move to the Eredivisie would represent a significant step up for the player, who is understood to have considerable interest in testing himself in European football.
Arribas has been the standout performer in the Segunda Division, registering 26 goal contributions this season alone with 26 goals and seven assists.
Sporting Lisbon and Como had also shown interest in the past, though Como’s pursuit ended once they agreed to the return of Nico Paz.
Real Madrid’s clause and why it is beneficial
The most important detail for Real Madrid is the clause they retained when Arribas left the club. Los Blancos still own 50% of the player’s economic rights, meaning they stand to pocket half of any transfer fee Almeria receive.
With the deal expected to exceed €20 million, Real Madrid could bank a healthy sum of around €10 million or more, a significant economic boost at a time when the club are investing heavily in their summer squad overhaul.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
