Real Madrid eye Premier League manager as top contender for job, talks already held | OneFootball

It has been only two weeks into Alvaro Arbeloa’s reign as Real Madrid manager, but doubts are already surfacing over his continuity in the long run.

After all, the team crashed out of the Copa del Rey in his first game in charge, losing to minnows Albacete.

Just when it appeared like the former defender had steadied the ship somewhat, Benfica dealt a humiliating 4-2 loss in the Champions League on Wednesday. The result saw Real Madrid plummet from third in the table to ninth, missing out on direct qualification for the Round of 16.

So far, there has been no indication about the length of contract that has been offered to Arbeloa. But, it appears that Real Madrid are thinking about the possibility of changing things at the end of the season already.

Unai Emery the top contender

Indeed, according to journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon, if Real Madrid decide to change coaches at the end of the season, current Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is seen as the top contender.

Unai Emery an option for Real Madrid. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

In fact, talks have already taken place to gauge the availability of the former Arsenal and PSG head coach, who has done a solid job at Villa over the past three years or so.

Emery has experience of coaching in Spain, having managed clubs like Valencia and Villarreal, while he has also been in charge of big teams like Arsenal and PSG in the past.

The 54-year-old tactician has a contract with Aston Villa that runs until the summer of 2029.

There is nothing concrete at this point, but Real Madrid are keeping an eye on the possibility of making a managerial change in the summer.

And, in case they decide to go ahead with such a move, Emery would be among the best-positioned candidates to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu.