Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran feels Arbeloa not being fair to him as relationship grows tense
After Real Madrid defeated Alaves 2-1 last night, manager Alvaro Arbeloa, in his post-match press conference, was asked about captain Dani Carvajal and his lack of minutes, and whether he would play the veteran right-back more to help him make it to the World Cup with Spain.
This was after Arbeloa had opted to start Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite the Englishman starting last week against Bayern Munich and Carvajal not playing a single minute in Munich.
“Well, I have 20 or 23 players, and I think any player at Real Madrid has options to go to the World Cup. If you’ll allow me, I’ll think about what’s best for the team,” Arbeloa said, curtly.
A tense relationship
Now, according to journalist Jorge C Picon, the relationship between Carvajal and Arbeloa has not been good practically from day one after the latter took over the reins of the first team from Xabi Alonso.
The 34-year-old club captain feels that the manager is not being fair and is taking away his chances of making it to the Spain squad for the FIFA World Cup in the summer.
From Arbeloa’s point of view, he considers Trent the undisputed starter at right-back and does not like how Carvajal has handled his role as a substitute in the past few months.
There has been tension brewing for a while now and the signs have been there, such as Carvajal’s heated exchange with fitness coach Antonio Pintus after the Valencia game, or his distant expressions on the bench.
In the first half of the season, Alonso showed a willingness to share playing time between Trent and Carvajal: he gave the Englishman 449 minutes and the Spaniard 443.
With Arbeloa, that balance was clearly broken: Trent has played close to 1,000 minutes during this period, while Carvajal has played 442. Arbeloa has brought the captain on as a substitute 12 times, but used him only four times as a starter.
Arbeloa’s response in the press conference last night further served to confirm that all is not well between the manager and the club captain.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
