Aston Villa boss high on Real Madrid’s shortlist to become new manager | OneFootball

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is high on Real Madrid’s shortlist to become their new manager, according to talkSPORT. 

Madrid are expected to part company with Alvaro Arbeloa after a disappointing season. 

Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso in January, but Madrid’s performances have been poor.

Los Blancos crashed out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, and they currently sit 11 points behind Barcelona in the La Liga table. 

Madrid have been linked with several names to replace Arbeloa, including Emery. 

The 54-year-old is under contract at Villa Park until 2029, but a new challenge in Spain could tempt him. 

Emery has transformed Villa since taking over as manager in October 2022. 

The Lions were just two places above the relegation zone at the time of his appointment, but he quickly improved results and led them to Europa Conference League qualification. 

Emery achieved Champions League qualification in his second season, and then oversaw their run to the quarter-finals of the competition in 2024-25. 

Villa are in a brilliant position to secure a top-five Premier League finish this term, while they could also reach the Europa League final. 

Madrid are also considering Jose Mourinho. Club president Florentino Perez is the main supporter of bringing the Portuguese back to the Santiago Bernabeu.