Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso keen on signing Real Madrid defender for Chelsea
Alvaro Carreras has once again emerged as a potential departure from Real Madrid.
Although the left-back is keen to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu, SPORT (h/t Bernabeu Digital) reports that Xabi Alonso continues to view him as one of his priority targets and remains determined to bring him to Chelsea.
The Spanish coach has identified Carreras as a key signing from the moment he took charge in London and believes the defender would fit perfectly into his long-term project at Stamford Bridge.
A long-standing admiration
Xabi Alonso’s interest in Carreras dates back to his appointment as Chelsea manager, but it intensified following Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid.
With Chelsea needing to strengthen the left side of their defense, the Real Madrid left-back has remained at the top of Alonso’s wishlist for several weeks.
However, Real Madrid have already informed the Premier League club that they will not entertain offers for the Spaniard, although proposals around €50 million could test their resolve.
Despite the possibility of a steep price tag, Alonso has not abandoned hope of completing the transfer, and Chelsea could still decide to match Madrid’s asking price.
Carreras wants to stay
Having already sold Fran Garcia, Real Madrid are unlikely to want to part ways with Carreras as well this summer.
Moreover, the biggest obstacle for Chelsea in their pursuit of the defender may be the player himself.
Indeed, Carreras wants to remain in Madrid after arriving only a year ago and still believes he can establish himself at the club.
The former Benfica full-back arrived at the Bernabeu with a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young left-backs.
However, after a season in which he failed to cement a regular starting place, and with the arrival of Cucurella, he has slipped down the pecking order.
A move to Chelsea could offer him the opportunity to become an undisputed starter under a coach who has shown consistent faith in him.
If he stays in Madrid, he is expected to play a secondary role behind Cucurella, who has been signed to become the club’s first-choice left-back.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
