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Jose Mourinho has reportedly moved a \u2018step closer\u2019 to returning to Real Madrid and wants to block an Arsenal summer transfer.<\/p>\n
Mourinho<\/strong> has emerged as a credible target for Real Madrid, who appear set to sack current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.<\/p>\n Arbeloa stepped up from Real Madrid<\/strong> Castilla to replace Xabi Alonso at the start of this year, but he has struggled in recent months as the Spanish giants have failed to win a major trophy for a second successive season.<\/p>\n This is unforgivable at Real Madrid, so it is hardly surprising that they are reportedly looking to appoint a new manager ahead of next season.<\/p>\n Real Madrid have been linked with a host of potential replacements for Arbeloa in recent months, including Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Unai Emery and Joachim Low.<\/p>\n READ: Carrick, Arteta and Mourinho among six disasters to avoid this summer However, respected reporter David Orstein revealed last week that Mourinho is President Florentino Perez\u2019s preferred option to replace Arbeloa.<\/strong><\/p>\n The former Chelsea, Man Utd and Spurs boss previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013. During this stint, he won La Liga and the Copa del Rey.<\/p>\n And a report from a Spanish outlet claims Mourinho\u2019s return has moved a \u2018step closer\u2019 after Klopp\u2019s \u2018decision\u2019 to favour becoming the next manager of the German national team has been \u2018accepted\u2019 by Perez.<\/p>\n The report claims: \u2018This situation directly affects Jose Mourinho, who sees one of his main competitors for the job disappear from the equation. The Portuguese manager, who is already familiar with the club, gains influence in a context where every move counts.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Alexander-Arnold among Real Madrid stars dreading Mourinho return \u2018Klopp\u2019s decision redefines the landscape. Real Madrid still hasn\u2019t finalised its next manager, but it has fewer top-tier candidates available. The reality is that the club is looking for someone with experience, character, and the ability to manage a dressing room full of stars. Mourinho fits that profile perfectly.\u2019<\/p>\n And another report in Spain claims Mourinho is already trying to impact Real Madrid\u2019s transfer plans, with the experienced boss \u2018asking\u2019 club chiefs \u2018not to sell\u2019 Alvaro Carreras to Arsenal.<\/p>\n Earlier this week, a report claimed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta \u2018wants\u2019 the left-back, who is finding the prospect of moving to the Emirates \u2018increasingly attractive\u2019.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Spanish report claims Real Madrid initially felt that Carreras was \u2018not untouchable\u2019 this summer, but Mourinho \u2018significantly alters the landscape\u2019 and wants the defender to remain at the club.<\/p>\n The report explains:<\/p>\n \u2018His move to Arsenal was considered a real possibility, especially given Real Madrid\u2019s need to streamline their squad. However, Mourinho \u2018s emergence as a potential manager introduces an important nuance. His approach prioritizes maintaining specific profiles based on direct rivals, and that\u2019s where Carreras\u2019s value increases.<\/p>\n \u2018The reality is that these kinds of decisions reflect a very specific approach: not only signing talent, but also retaining players who fit into specific tactical plans.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n READ NEXT: Seven managers who should never have gone back to old clubs as Mourinho eyes Real Madrid return <\/div>\n
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<\/strong><\/p>\nArsenal transfer may now collapse<\/h2>\n
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