Real Madrid ‘keen on’ Cesc Fabregas to replace Alvaro Arbeloa | OneFootball

Real Madrid are preparing an unusually open summer search for a new head coach, with Cesc Fabregas emerging as a surprise candidate. Their last six hires all had prior ties to the club, but this time they are expected to look outside their own ranks.

El Desmarque reports that the Madrid hierarchy view Fabregas as a leader capable of handling the role despite his limited experience. They have tracked his career closely and even tried to sign him as a player before his return to Barcelona.

Jurgen Klopp’s name recurs, though there are doubts he would come out of retirement. Unai Emery and AC Milan’s Max Allegri have also been linked, while USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino is in the frame. Reports suggest Alvaro Arbeloa would need a miracle to stay beyond the summer.

Raised on the Catalan coast, Fabregas came through La Masia alongside Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique before moving to Arsenal. He later spent three years back at Barcelona and has also been tipped for a future return to the club.

Since taking charge of Como, he has had frequent dealings with Real Madrid. Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramon arrived from Castilla, and Fabregas visited Valdebebas last season to discuss possible signings.

Source: Football Espana