Two Real Madrid Players Could Be Sold If Alvaro Arbeloa Replaces Xabi Alonso

Alvaro Arbeloa could reportedly sanction the departure of two Real Madrid stars if he succeeds Xabi Alonso mid-season.

Alonso finds himself in a difficult position only six months into his Real Madrid career.

The Spanish tactician got off to an electrifying start in the Spanish capital, winning 13 of his first 14 matches of the season. However, Los Blancos could not carry the momentum for long.

Between 4 November and 10 December, Real Madrid played eight matches, dropping points in six (D 3, L 3).

The poor run of form put pressure on Alonso, with reports claiming that Real Madrid had shortlisted managers who could potentially replace him.

@FabrizioRomano: “If things change with Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, the name I’m hearing is ÁLVARO ARBELOA.

He could be the FAVORITE.” pic.twitter.com/vhPFCEnjbJ

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 15, 2025

The Spaniard has recovered in the last seven days, winning three games across competitions, but his future at the club remains uncertain.

Real Madrid Castilla manager Arbeloa is the frontrunner to take over if Alonso is sacked. And according to El Nacional, two players are at risk if he comes on board.

Alvaro Arbeloa Could Sell Two Real Madrid Players

According to the aforementioned report, Alvaro Arbeloa has already held talks with Real Madrid about his potential appointment. The manager has pinpointed two players he wants out of the squad, either for sporting reasons or due to their influence in the dressing room.

Fran Garcia

Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia is the first name on the list. Arbeloa admires his commitment and desire, but does not think he is the right man for such an important position.

He believes Garcia does not provide defensive reliability and does not bring enough to the table. In high-profile matches, he takes away more than he adds.

The Real Madrid hierarchy agrees with Arbeloa’s assessment, and the club are set to look for options next summer.

Rodrygo

Rodrygo is the second name on Arbeloa’s list. Unlike Fran Garcia, Rodrygo’s technical ability is beyond question. But the coach believes the Brazilian still does not have a defined role in the project and has a negative influence inside the dressing room.

Arbeloa feels Rodrygo is often at the heart of dressing room tension, and he “makes more noise than he should.” Since he does not have a fixed role, the uncertainty sours the atmosphere inside the dressing room.

Cerramos el año con victoria en nuestra casa, seguimos juntos! Nos vemos en 2026 madridistas! HALA MADRID pic.twitter.com/JaYM8pw4qo

— Rodrygo Goes (@RodrygoGoes) December 20, 2025

Rodrygo’s teammate Vinicius Junior has also drawn criticism for similar reasons this season. He has been stalling his contract renewal for months, leaving former Predrag Mijatovic questioning Vinicius’ wage demands.

Arbeloa wants to start with a clean slate, with a squad that does not have any internal issues and is equipped to compete at the highest level. He wants Garcia and Rodrygo to leave in an orderly manner next summer, preferably for a sizeable fee.