Real Madrid internally discussing 54-year-old manager as potential candidate for summer – Romano | OneFootball

Only a couple of weeks into his tenure at Real Madrid, questions are being raised over Alvaro Arbeloa’s long-term future as the first-team manager.

The former defender was promoted from within the club earlier this month when Xabi Alonso was sacked, with Florentino Perez & co. handing him the first-team reins.

Arbeloa’s stint, however, has been off to a rocky start, with Real Madrid crashing out of Copa del Rey and missing out on a top-eight finish in the UEFA Champions League standings.

Unai Emery’s name being discussed

Reports earlier today suggested that Real Madrid had locked in on Unai Emery as a top contender for the manager position if they decide to change things up in the summer. It was even claimed that initial talks had taken place to gauge his availability.

However, providing an update on the situation, Fabrizio Romano claims that, as things stand, Real Madrid are not considering changing managers and intend to give Arbeloa time to prove himself with the senior team.

Emery is on Real Madrid’s shortlist. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

At the same time, the name of Emery, who has done well at Aston Villa over the past three years, has been discussed internally as an option should a change be sought.

Along with Emery, Jurgen Klopp’s name has also come up in internal discussions, while several other candidates have also been talked about.

There is nothing concrete at this point, however, and no talks have taken place, with Emery fully focused on ending the season strongly at Aston Villa.

Emery, 54, has a contract with the Premier League club until the summer of 2029. He has prior managerial experience in Spain, having coached teams like Valencia and Villarreal, while he has also managed big clubs like Arsenal and PSG in the past.