Real Madrid News
Real Madrid summer signing wins the battle for starting spot under Mourinho
Denzel Dumfries has emerged as the clear winner of Real Madrid’s early-season battle for the right-back position, with Jose Mourinho trusting the Dutchman ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
According to MARCA, Dumfries has established himself as Mourinho’s preferred option after having started five of Madrid’s first six matches.
Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has started only one game at full-back, with the manager also testing him in midfield during the meeting with Inter.
The early selection pattern suggests this is not just simple rotation. Rather, Mourinho appears to have identified the qualities he wants on the right side of his defence, and Dumfries currently fits that profile better.
Why Mourinho is leaning towards Dumfries
Dumfries offers the physical presence and defensive aggression that Mourinho values in an intense, direct side.
His ability to compete in one-on-one situations, protect his flank and maintain his structure without the ball has given him an advantage.
Alexander-Arnold offers a very different skill set. His passing range, ball control and ability to dictate attacks from deep remain among the strongest attributes of his game.
In fact, few full-backs can match the Englishman for long-distance distribution or accuracy.
The problem for him is that Mourinho appears unwilling to sacrifice defensive security to maximise those qualities.
The manager’s preference so far has been for a right-back who can provide greater reliability when Madrid do not have possession.
That explains why Alexander-Arnold was given an opportunity in central midfield against Inter.
The position potentially allows him to influence the game with his passing without placing the same defensive demands on him as the full-back role.
Atletico test could strengthen Dumfries’ case
Alexander-Arnold has also yet to completely settle into life in Madrid, despite arriving a season earlier than Dumfries, who, by contrast, has become a regular presence in Mourinho’s starting XI.
The next two fixtures could reveal whether that hierarchy is becoming permanent.
Dumfries is expected to start against Atletico Madrid, a physically demanding fixture in which Mourinho is likely to value his defensive strength and aggression.
The more intriguing decision could come against Elche. With the opposition expected to pose a different challenge, Mourinho could see an opportunity to rotate and give Alexander-Arnold another chance to prove his value.
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.
