Real Madrid set for Benfica with Tchouameni back as Militao waits
Marcelo’s son Enzo Alves, 16, signs first pro deal with Real Madrid. Prolific Juvenil A striker is seen as a top talent; Arbeloa, now first-team boss, previously handed him his U19 debut.
Eder Militao’s recovery drags on with no return date. Raul Asencio playing through a foot fracture; David Alaba out of favour. Some relief as Antonio Rudiger nears a comeback.
Reports of Trent Alexander-Arnold being axed by Arbeloa are denied. The Athletic’s Guillermo Rai says Madrid and Arbeloa count on him, urging patience after his Bernabeu arrival.
Di Maria backs Nico Paz’s Real Madrid level and “enormous” potential but warns of limited minutes amid stacked squad; suggests staying at Como for regular game time before a future Bernabeu move.
Arbeloa set to field strongest XI at Benfica: Tchouameni back at 6, Bellingham-Guler in midfield, Carreras returns, Valverde at RB. Mbappe leads with Vinicius and Mastantuono. Courtois starts. CL last-16 at stake.
Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, a left-footed centre-back, prefers Real Madrid for trophies and La Liga’s style. Madrid value his build-up play and physical presence as they scout that profile.
Endrick left on loan to Lyon after just 99 minutes under Xabi Alonso with Mbappe fixed at No 9. He’s flying in France with four goals and an assist, eyeing a Madrid return but open to loan or buyback exit.
Mastantuono hails Arbeloa’s faith after scoring at the Bernabeu vs Monaco, praises Bellingham and Valverde, and defends Vinicius: “I’ve never seen Vini Jr. in a bad spell.”
Bournemouth sign Vasco winger Rayan for €28.5m plus add-ons, beating Real Madrid and Tottenham. The 19-year-old, a fast, powerful right-winger, starred in Brazil and is tipped to grow in Europe.
