Real Madrid News
Report: 21-year-old Real Madrid starlet emerging as possible answer to fill Kroos and Modric void
For much of their glory years in the last decade, everyone knew the identity of Real Madrid’s midfield and what each player’s role was.
Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro were fixtures in midfield, with the former two taking care of control and playmaking and the latter acting as the destroyer.
Since the departures of Kroos and Modric, Madrid have spent years wondering how they could replace the control and creativity once provided by the duo.
Belatedly, Jose Mourinho seems to have found the solution in the form of Arda Guler.
According to The Athletic, Guler’s growing ability to control matches and create attacks is being viewed as a possible solution to the creative void left by the two legendary midfielders.
Mourinho is experimenting with the Turkey international in several areas as he searches for the role that maximises his qualities.
Mourinho is moving Guler around
Guler has been used deeper in midfield, from the right and as a No. 10, with his definitive position still being determined.
That experimentation makes sense and was hinted at by the Portuguese tactician even before the season actually began.
Guler’s greatest strength is increasingly looking like his influence on the entire attack rather than simply what he produces close to goal.
He wants the ball, sees progressive passes early and can connect midfield with Madrid’s dangerous forwards.
Playing deeper gives him more opportunities to dictate possession. Moving him higher allows his final pass and shooting ability to become more dangerous.
Madrid need a controller desperately
Replacing Kroos and Modric was never going to mean finding players who perfectly replicate them.
What Madrid lost was their ability to dictate the rhythm of difficult matches. Both could receive under pressure, decide when to accelerate an attack and give the team structure through possession.
For two or three seasons since their exits, Madrid had no profiles in midfield who could add that balance, even to a limited extent.
Guler is showing signs of offering some of those qualities while also having other traits of his own. The next stage is proving he can become the player Madrid consistently trust in big games.
The Turk could develop into a versatile player
Maybe the best way to use Guler is not to consign him to one particular position and instead use his abilities on a game-by-game basis.
Against deeper opponents, Mourinho can position him closer to the penalty area. In matches where Madrid need greater control, dropping Guler into midfield could give him more influence over possession.
Nobody is expecting Guler to become the next Modric or the next Kroos. However, he, in his own way, could develop into a reference for future generations.
The 2026-27 season seems like the year when Guler grows up at Madrid. It remains to be seen whether he can sustain this start through the course of the campaign.
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.
