Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will renew 22-year-old youngster’s contract and loan him out
Antonio Blanco is one of La Fabrica’s brightest talents. He formerly held a reputation as one of the most gifted midfielders in the Real Madrid youth system. He briefly served as Castilla’s captain as well.
After spending the first half of the previous season on loan at Cadiz, where he saw minimal playing time, he moved to Alaves in January. There he established himself as an important piece in their push towards promotion.
However, uncertainty currently looms over the 22-year-old youngster’s future at Real Madrid as he has no chance of breaking into the senior team.
According to AS, Real Madrid want to extend Blanco’s contract and then loan him out once more. The Merengues are still confident in his abilities and have no intentions of losing him permanently just yet.
Currently, the midfielder is on international duty with Spain at the U-21 European Championships, who face England in the final.
As per the report, Real Madrid have not forgotten about Blanco, who is having a fantastic campaign at the U-21 Euros. Los Blancos have closely observed him and believe he has merited a renewal.
Blanco would continue to play for Real Madrid with no hesitancy. In an interview in the past, he had said: “If I stay at Real Madrid, it will be great news.”
But he is aware that playing outside is preferable, with competition in the midfield department particularly peaking at the moment.
Blanco is aware that in the near future, he may have to pursue a career outside of Real Madrid. Despite his talent, this will not be the first time a prodigy has hit the exit door in search of more opportunities. Martin Odegard also left with his eyes set on greater game time.
Blanco leaving with similar aspirations is not ruled out, especially if he has to go through more loan spells.
Real Madrid News
Ex-Real Madrid presidential candidate wanted to bring Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta as manager
The presidential election at Real Madrid this summer was something unprecedented but despite the best efforts of Enrique Riquelme, he couldn’t do much to dethrone Florentino Perez.
That being said, some of Riquelme’s ideas have now become more relevant than ever, including his pitch to sign Jurgen Klopp as the new manager, instead of Jose Mourinho.
However, Riquelme wasn’t always in favour of Klopp and in fact, had initially pitched Mikel Arteta as the next manager for Real Madrid.
Riquelme had favoured Arteta
According to The Athletic, Riquelme had identified Arteta as a potential successor to then-coach Alvaro Arbeloa as part of his election campaign.
The context came amid Arteta’s own contract situation at Arsenal, with the Spaniard having just signed a new four-year deal following the club’s Premier League triumph.
The report notes that Real Madrid were the biggest club searching for a new coach at the time, and Riquelme saw Arteta as an appealing candidate.
Ultimately, though, Riquelme’s campaign shifted towards Klopp, while Perez, who won the election, opted to bring back Mourinho.
As a result, Arteta’s name never progressed beyond an early consideration, and the Spaniard remained fully committed to Arsenal, where he continues to build on his growing legacy.
Arteta has consistently dismissed interest from elsewhere, including links to Barcelona in 2024.
Mourinho has his work cut out
While Real Madrid ultimately chose Mourinho, the early signs suggest the Portuguese has a significant task on his hands.
Los Blancos have endured a stuttering start to the season, already sitting well behind runaway leaders Barcelona in La Liga.
Performances have been inconsistent, with the team lacking intensity and cohesion, and reports have even pointed to unrest within the dressing room.
That has inevitably led to questions over whether a different appointment, such as Arteta or Klopp, might have offered a smoother transition.
Arteta, in particular, has proven his credentials by ending Arsenal’s long wait for a Premier League title, doing so against a dominant Manchester City.
For now, Mourinho must find a way to turn things around and justify Perez’s faith. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the pressure is already building.
