Real Madrid News
Real Madrid youngster’s future up in the air amid widespread interest in La Liga
Sergio Arribas has been a bonafide star for Real Madrid Castilla over the past few years. His season for Raul Gonzalez’s side has been nothing short of spectacular as he has racked up 15 goals and seven assists in 31 appearances so far.
The youngster has been knocking on the doors of the first team for a long time now but has found chances hard to find with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm. Now, it slowly appears he is outgrowing the youth team and that he is ready for the next big step in his career.
According to reports from MARCA, Arribas is still pushing for a spot in the Real Madrid first team for next season but his future is far from certain considering the number of clubs pursuing him.
The youngster will play in the top division come June, but it is unclear if it will be for Real Madrid or another club.
Arribas is no stranger to playing for the first team and has even made three appearances for the Merengues this season. Notably, he found the back of the net in Real Madrid’s Club World Cup semifinal against Al Ahly.
There is no doubt that Arribas has the quality to succeed at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the club worry that he will see an acute drought for minutes if promoted next season given the presence of Dani Ceballos, Luka Modric, and Marco Asensio, all of whom are expected to renew, plus the return of Brahim Diaz on loan.
The attacking midfielder is likely to make the preseason squad in the summer, and his performances there could have a bearing on his future. As of today, a loan move or a permanent transfer with a buy-back clause are amongst the club’s options.
The cloud of uncertainty over Karim Benzema’s future has served as a major headache for the Real Madrid board, as they kickstart their team planning ahead of the new season.
Recent reports claim the Frenchman is strongly considering a move to Saudi Arabia, after receiving a lucrative €150 million offer from Al Ittihad. He was close to renewing his contract at Santiago Bernabeu not too long ago, but it appears the tables have turned lately.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid are yet to give up on Benzema and still harbour hopes of renewing his contract in the coming weeks, reports Alfredo Matilla.
The Spanish journalist suggests Real Madrid have not closed the file on Benzema. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has recently met the forward to clarify his future and it appears the club are set to do everything they can to keep hold of the player.
Benzema’s departure, after all, could put the club in a major dilemma, where they must either sign a top-class striker or settle for a low-cost alternative for the entirety of next season.
Harry Kane has been earmarked as the ideal replacement for Benzema. But his acquisition could potentially jeopardise Real Madrid’s bid to sign either Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe in 2024. The club have also faced difficulties negotiating with Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman.
As far as the low-cost options are concerned, Real Madrid are interested in Roberto Firmino, who will become a free agent in the summer.
However, the Brazilian international is not the most productive striker around and his struggles in front of goal could put more pressure on players like Vinicius Junior next season.
Real Madrid, therefore, will hope to keep hold of Benzema’s services for another year. Unfortunately, though, the player has given a cold response so far and left training early, without speaking too much.
So it will be interesting to see whether or not the veteran striker opts to remain at Bernabeu for another year.
